By A Correspondent- The government of Botswana has announced plans to reopen its borders to visitors in phases between Monday and December 1.

Botswana which has recorded 7,835 coronavirus cases including 27 deaths had closed its borders early this year in an endeavour to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

President Mogkweetsi Masisi made the announcement in a statement which indicated that air travel at Sir Seretse Khama, Kasane and Maun International Airports will resume on Monday, while Phillip G Mantante airport will take passengers on December 1.

Read the statement in part: All arriving travellers will be expected to meet the following requirements: present a valid 72-hour Covid-19 test result at the time of departure; will be screened for Covid-19 upon entry and symptomatic visitors will be required to undertake mandatory testing and possible isolation.

This is happening when neighbouring countries including South Africa and Zimbabwe are also cautiously reopening their borders to visitors.