Statement to Parliament by Leader of the Opposition (Dumelang Saleshando) presented in term of Standing Order 9.3.2 Mr. Speaker it is my pleasure on behalf of the official opposition to make a statement to this house on a matter of global concern, COVID-19 or the Corona Virus. The world is in a state of siege on account of the Corona Virus. The virus has placed countries on lock down, ushering a period of anxiety, uncertainty, and helplessness for many nations and families. Our prayers and thoughts are with the many families who have lost their loved ones to the virus. As at yesterday, over 8,000 people had lost their lives to the virus. Though Botswana does not have a confirmed case of infection, we are directly affected by the impact of the virus on the global economy that is grinding towards a halt. The threat of possible COVID-19 cases in Botswana looms high. After all, our neighbours (with the exception of Zimbabwe) are all dealing with confirmed cases of the virus, rendering us surrounded and vulnerable to invasion by Corona. The virus has had a devastating impact on some of the worlds best health care systems. It is in our…