Lesotho: COVID-19 restrictions remain in place nationwide as of Dec. 9 /update 8

As of Dec. 9, authorities in Lesotho have reopened land and air borders. Several COVID-19 restrictions remain in place.

Event

As of Dec. 9, authorities in Lesotho have partially reopened borders as they relax measures imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

International Travel

The land border crossing points at Maseru Bridge, Caledonspoort (Butha Buthe), Maputsoe Bridge, Qacha's Nek Bridge, and Van Rooyen's Gate (Mafeteng) are open.
Flights between Johannesburg, South Africa, and Maseru are allowed to operate; however, flights remain limited.
All categories of travelers, including tourists, are permitted entry. However, all visitors to Lesotho must transit via South Africa.
Travelers entering or exiting Lesotho will need to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test COVID-19 test, taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival or departure.
Travelers showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be required to self-isolate at their permanent or temporary residence or may be placed in a government isolation facility at their own expense.
Anyone permitted entry is required to provide details of where they will be staying during their stay.
Truck drivers, Basotho students studying in South Africa, and others who cross the border daily are permitted to cross for 14 days before another PCR COVID-19 test is required; however, Basotho nationals and residents who exit Lesotho less frequently will be permitted re-entry within seven days of the original test.

Domestic Restrictions

Schools are permitted to open with appropriate social distancing and sanitization methods; however, not all have reopened.
All businesses and offices are permitted to operate, provided they adhere to social distancing and sanitization requirements.
All restrictions on cafes and restaurants are lifted, though they must avoid overcrowding and ensure frequent cleaning.
Religious activities are permitted to resume but must not be longer than two hours. Indoor capacity is limited to 50 percent and 500 people at outdoor venues.
Funerals are permitted but must be completed by 1000.
All outdoor sports are permitted with a 50-percent spectator capacity.
Gyms are permitted to reopen; however, all equipment must be sanitized after each use.
The wearing of protective facemasks is mandatory in all public places.
Public transport has been permitted to operate at full capacity, provided that social distancing measures adhere.

The partial lifting of restrictions began Aug. 23. Security forces have been deployed to enforce compliance, with additional security deployed to border areas to prevent travelers from entering the country from South Africa. Those caught contravening COVID-19 measures and restrictions will face penalties, such as fines.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.