The implications of COVID-19 legislation on chronic ailments patients: perspectives from Botswana

What is it about?

This article set to establish how the restrictions on freedom of movement resulting from COVID-19 Regulations impacted chronic ailments patients. The article demonstrated that the restrictions on the freedom of movement adopted by the GOB was done under the authority of law. The restrictions were reasonably required to safeguard public health at the face of global struggle to suppress the spread of COVID-19 and such restrictions can be reasonably justified in a democratic society. the implementation of the COVID-19 Regulations particularly the requirement for a travel permit to seek healthcare services may hinder access to essential health services and ultimately increase the pressure on emergency services or at worst, increase mortality. This is especially the case where those charged with the responsibility of issuing permits are granted unfettered discretionary powers. Clear guidelines and sober interpretation of the regulations is necessary. This will also make it easier for the frontline security officers manning the streets to correctly understand the prevailing circumstances. In view of the massive gains garnered in combating chronic illnesses, it is important that such gains are not reversed whilst the GOB fights COVID-19. People living with HIV/AIDS, the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions are known to be at significantly higher risk of developing severe illness when contracting COVID-19

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