Botswana’s Capital City Back on COVID-19 LockdownBotswana’s director of health services, Dr Malaki Tshipayagae, announced Friday that the capital, Gaborone, will return to extreme lockdown after eight new COVID-19 cases at a private hospital. “We are concerned because we did not know if it is a communal infection or a hospital-acquired infection, or [it] indicates significant local transmission, or whether there is some form of contamination at the facility,” Tshipayagae said. “As a result, because of those factors, or unknowns, we have decided to shut down or lock down Greater Gaborone.” A further four imported cases were reported Friday, bringing the country’s COVID-19 tally to 60. Tshipayagae said the army and police would resume patrols, effective Friday midnight. “Movement of people will be through a permit and there would be patrols to ensure that rules are adhered to.” Most economic activities had resumed as the diamond-rich country emerged from a seven-week lockdown that ended May 21. Schools had reopened but will now close in Gaborone and surrounding areas until further notice. Gaborone resident Mpho Marumo said the latest development is a drawback. “It’s quite disappointing really,” Marumo said. “We were looking forward to... the schools, the kids. It’s a really big setback, the schools had reopened and now closed.” Prior to Friday’s 12 cases, Botswana only had one active case. The country has recorded one COVID-19 death.