Botswana's President Tests Positive for COVID-19

Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced Monday, adding that he is in mandatory self-isolation at his residence.

John Dipowe, the acting permanent secretary in the Botswana government communications, stated that the positive results came following a routine test for the virus.

"Members of the public are assured that His Excellency the President does not have any symptoms and will continue to receive close medical monitoring from his doctors," said Dipowe, affirming that self-isolation is a precautionary measure in accordance with COVID-19 health protocols.

Accordingly, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane will act as the southern African country's president during Masisi's self-isolation period until further notice.

Meantime, Botswana has registered 219,509 cases of COVID-19 with 2,444 deaths. So far, 48.6 percent of the total population has received the first dose of vaccine, while 43 percent are fully vaccinated, according to the reports.