Lesotho: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 measures as of Jan. 5 /update 10

Officials in Lesotho extend COVID-19 restrictions until at least Jan. 18. International travel has resumed.

Event

Lesotho has extended restrictions to curb coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through at least Jan. 18. According to the Risk Determination Framework Mitigation measures, authorities have also increased the country's restrictions from blue to purple. The following measures are currently in effect:

International Travel

International travel has resumed. Air links between Maseru (MSU) and Johannesburg (JNB) are open, but flights are limited. Flight times are subject to change depending on South Africa's COVID-19 regulations.
The land border crossing points at Maseru Bridge, Caledonspoort (Butha Buthe), Maputsoe Bridge, Qacha's Nek Bridge, and Vanrooyens Gate (Mafeteng) are open.
Business travelers, students, migrant workers, patients, and two accompanying adults, people with special needs, residents, and permit holders are permitted to enter the country.
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.
Persons showing COVID-19 symptoms may be requested to self-isolate or may be quarantined at a government facility.

Domestic Measures

Restaurants are permitted to operate between 0800-2100; the sale of alcohol is prohibited.
Outdoor entertainment is permitted between 1000-1700, but only on privately owned property. A maximum of 120 people per 300 squared meters and 500 people in large open areas is permitted. All events are required to have at least five security guards to enforce COVID-19 protocols. Alcohol is restricted.
The manufacturing industry is permitted to operate at 50-percent capacity on any given shift.
Supermarkets are permitted to operate between 0700-1900.
Public transport is permitted to continue; however, each passenger must be in an allocated seat. No standing is allowed.
Religious services are permitted to continue with 50 people at indoor venues and 100 at outdoor venues. Participants must wear protective facemasks through the service.
All outdoor sports are permitted with no spectators. No more than 100 people are allowed at sporting events, including athletes, administrators, and coaches.
Protective facemasks are mandatory in all public places, including on public transport.

Regulations are subject to change at short notice. Travel to and from Lesotho is only possible via South Africa. South Africa's COVID-19 regulations are regularly updated and could impact travel to and from Lesotho.

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.