Lesotho: Authorities implement tightened COVID-19 restrictions from midnight Jan. 6 /update 11

Officials in Lesotho to implement tighter COVID-19 restrictions from midnight Jan. 6. All nonessential travel is prohibited.

Event

Authorities in Lesotho have announced that tighter lockdown measures will take effect midnight Jan. 6 through to at least Jan. 20 in increased efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This decision comes after an increased number of infections and COVID-19-related deaths in the country. According to the Risk Determination Framework Mitigation measures, authorities have increased the country's response level from purple to orange. This follows the decision to upgrade the country from blue to purple Jan. 1. Orange restrictions are one level lower than hard lockdown measures (red). The following restrictions, according to this framework, will be implemented :

All nonessential domestic and international travel is banned until further notice. Permanent residents and citizens will be permitted to return; however, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days after arrival.
Freight, cargo, and humanitarian travel are permitted to continue.
A daily curfew will be in place between 2000-0500 for the duration of the lockdown.
All schools will be closed.
Nonessential shops and businesses are permitted to remain open but must operate with increased screening, sanitization, and social distancing protocols.
Churches and other religious gatherings are prohibited.
Funeral attendance is limited to immediate family only and must be concluded by 1000.
Wedding attendance must not exceed more than five people.
All sporting activities, apart from golf, will be suspended.
No political rallies and gatherings are permitted to take place.
Meetings and other conferences may not exceed more than 30 participants.
Factories and manufacturers are permitted to operate at 50-percent capacity on any given shift.
Public transport is permitted to continue with a limited number of passengers. Windows must remain open at all times.
The wearing of protective facemasks is compulsory in public spaces.

Security forces and members of the army will be deployed to enforce lockdown measures. Regulations are subject to change at short notice.

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.