In response to three confirmed cases and one death due to COVID-19, and returning citizens and residents to Botswana from highly effected countries, President Masisi declared the State of Emergency. In his speech, he outlined the following:

• From April 2nd midnight, the State of Emergency will be in effect for 21 days, which is the maximum the president can enact without Parliament’s vote. Parliament will meet within the next 7 days to vote for a longer time period.
• Extreme social distancing for 28 days. Only essential personnel will be given COVID-19 travel permits will be permitted to travel. Everyone else must stay home.
• The government has put together a plan from the COVID-19 relief fund which President Masisi outlined.
• The government has also put aside an economic stimulus package of BWP 2 billion for the post-COVID-19 pandemic.