Lesotho: Authorities relax domestic COVID-19 restrictions March 22 /update 16

Officials in Lesotho relax domestic COVID-19 restrictions from March 22. Limited international travel permitted.

Event

Authorities in Lesotho have eased several restrictions from March 22 due to the decreasing number of COVID-19 cases. Regulations have been amended from purple to blue, the second lowest level of the country's ranking system.

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, migrant workers, and 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.
Citizens and permanent residents who display symptoms of the disease may be denied entry.

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 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 06:00-12:00.
Offsite alcohol sales are permitted Monday-Friday 08:00-20:00.
Public and private businesses are permitted to operate at 50-percent capacity and with staff rotations from 08:00-16:00.
Social activities and gatherings can resume with 120 people allowed inside private venues and up to 500 people outside. Alcohol must not be consumed.
It is unclear if the nationwide curfew has been changed; however, it will likely remain 21:00-05:00.
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.