The Botswana government has ordered the closure of schools among other containment measures in a bid to stem the rise in COVID-19 cases in the country.

A gazette notice released on Monday directed that schools close from August 16 to September 4.

Schools will however be allowed to conduct remote learning and virtual meetings while students in completing classes may attend classes on-site.

In the new containment measures announced, weddings have been suspended while restaurants have been directed to operate at half capacity.

There will also be a restriction on movement from 8p.m to 4 a.m.

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY -16 AUGUST 2021

Restriction on Movement
Closure of Schools https://t.co/82eywchhQU

Other restrictions include: a suspension on all gatherings except for meetings of the cabinet, national assembly, council, national task force on COVID-19 and gatherings as the director of health services may authorize.

Sports and recreational activities are suspended as well the sale of alcohol during the period.

Botswana has as at August 13 recorded 142,380 positive coronavirus cases.

A total of 161,522 people have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.