Lesotho: Authorities maintain COVID-19 restrictions as of April 14 /update 17

Officials in Lesotho maintain COVID-19 restrictions as of April 14. Limited international travel permitted.

Event

Authorities in Lesotho maintain eased COVID-19 restrictions as of April 14 due to the stabilizing number of COVID-19 cases. Regulations remain at the blue level, the second-lowest level of the country's ranking system.

International Travel:

Air travel to Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU) and land border movement is limited. Exceptions are made for the transportation of essential goods, to attend the funeral of immediate family members, for diplomats, students, permanent residents, citizens, and migrant workers, and for medical purposes. International travel is dependent on South Africa's COVID-19-related regulations.
Only those who present a negative COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival will be permitted entry.
Travelers wishing to exit the country are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hours prior to departure.
Truck drivers and students who frequently cross the border are permitted to use a negative COVID-19 certificate for 14 days before a renewal is required.
Citizens and permanent residents who display symptoms of the disease may be denied entry.
Travelers showing symptoms of COVID-19 may be required to self-isolate at their resident or at a government facility for 14 days; however, this mandate is not strictly enforced.

Domestic Restrictions:

Public transport is permitted to resume without limits.
Retail shops can operate without restrictions as long as COVID-19 guidelines are adhered to.
Nightclubs remain closed, but casinos can operate at up to 50-percent capacity. Hotels and tourist facilities can operate at 100-percent capacity.
Restaurants can operate at 50-percent capacity 06:00-21:00.
Offsite alcohol sales are permitted Monday-Friday 08:00-20:00.
All social gatherings remain prohibited until further notice.
Religious services are permitted to operate at a 50-percent indoor capacity but may not be longer than two hours.
A nationwide curfew between 22:00-04:00 remains in place until further notice.
There are currently no restrictions on intercity travel.
The wearing of protective facemasks is compulsory in public spaces.

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

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.