Lesotho: Authorities implement amended COVID-19 restrictions March 1 /update 15

Officials in Lesotho implement amended COVID-19 restrictions March 1. Limited international travel permitted.

Event

Authorities in Lesotho have eased several restrictions March 1 due to the decreasing number of COVID-19 cases. Regulations have been amended from the second-highest level, orange, to purple, the third of five levels.

International Travel:

Air travel is restricted and land border movement is limited. Exceptions are made for the transportation of essential goods to attend the funeral of immediate family members, diplomats, students, permanent residents, citizens, and medical purposes. International travel is dependent on South Africa's COVID-19-related regulations.
Daily commuting workers between Lesotho and South Africa are not permitted until further notice.
Only those who present a negative COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival will be permitted entry.
Citizens and permanent residents who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to quarantine until a negative result is returned.

Domestic Restrictions:

Schools are permitted to resume on a rotational basis and must adhere to social distancing and sanitization guidelines.
Public transport is permitted to resume with limited numbers. 11 passengers are allowed in a 15-seater vehicle, three passengers in a four-seater car, 15 passengers in a 22-seater vehicle, and passengers are to sit in every second seat on a bus.
All nonessential businesses are permitted to operate 0800-1800.
Only immediately family may attend funerals.
Offsite alcohol sales are permitted Monday-Thursday 1000-1600.
Public and private businesses are permitted to operate at 50-percent capacity and with staff rotations from 0800-1600.
All social activities and gatherings remain prohibited until further notice.
It is unclear if the nationwide curfew has been changed; however, it is likely to remain 2100-0500.
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.

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.