Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Update – Business Continuity Precautionary Measures
In light of the recent developments relating to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), the Authority encourages regulated entities to adhere to the Public Notice issued by the Office of the President on 16th March 2020, outlining measures the Government has taken to prevent the transmission and spread of COVID-19.
The Authority is cognizant that its staff and the staff of regulated entities frequently physically interact with each other. In the interest of public health and safety, the Authority encourages regulated entities to put in place appropriate measures to safeguard its staff while concurrently ensuring business continuity under the prevailing circumstances.
Precautionary Measures taken by the Authority
In light of the above, regulated entities are advised that the Authority has put in place the precautionary measures listed below:
- Social Distancing:
- Cancellation of Large Meetings: Industry meetings, bilateral and compliance visits/meetings are hereby postponed with immediate effect. However, the Authority will still be available to conduct surprise inspections on a case by case basis.
- Discouragement of Small Meetings: Face-to-face meetings, however small, are not encouraged. It is noted that there may be some exceptional circumstances where this is unavoidable.
- Use of Digital & Telephonic Platforms for all Interactions with Stakeholders: As a precautionary measure for the protection of stakeholders as well as our staff, the Authority encourages its stakeholders and regulated entities to use telephonic communication or email instead of visiting the office physically.
- Enhanced Precautionary Measures for Walk-in Visitors: Stakeholders who insist on physically coming to the Authority’s offices are informed that they are likely to experience delayed service delivery due to enhanced precautionary measures that the Authority has put in place to protect its staff as well as visitors.
Regulated entities are therefore advised to limit physical contact, remain vigilant, disciplined, and observe hygiene protocols issued by the Government of Botswana through the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
