business

Nov. 23, 2020

NEO SENOKO

2 min read

Economy opens as COVID-19 cases drop

Economy opens as COVID-19 cases drop

Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro

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ECONOMIC activities have finally been unlocked, with the government announcing on Sunday that the country is moving from purple to blue colour as per the COVID-19 guidelines.

Under the blue stage, economic activities across all sectors are allowed to operate in full capacity while adhering to COVID-19 protocols.  

Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro revealed in his COVID-19 national address on Sunday evening that the decision to open the economy came following a recent significant drop in new coronavirus cases, from 10 to five per cent.

Only one positive case of the pandemic was reported on Sunday, bringing the number of positive cases to 2 086. A total of 1 276 people have recovered to this end, with 44 related deaths reported.

A total of 25 390 tests have been conducted.

“We have decided to move to the blue colour because fewer cases are being reported recently. World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols clearly state that the economy can open in cases where statistics of new cases are at five per cent.

“We really appreciate your collaboration with government in adhering to all the protocols as we continue to fight the pandemic. Let us continue working together and maintain the standards particularly now that the economy is fully open,” Dr Majoro said.

As per the guidelines, moving to the blue colour brings an end to the ban on international travel and people will be allowed to come in and out of the country, while observing protocols.

Tourists are also allowed to enter Lesotho but all should be in possession of a 72-hour negative certificate.

All liquor stores are allowed to open, with night clubs permitted to operate from 6pm to 12 midnight.

Only 50 per cent capacity is allowed with registration of customers and regular disinfection is also encouraged.

Furthermore, indoor entertainment is also permitted, subject to the issuance of a permit by the Ministry of Tourism. Events can start at 10am with clear security measures in place to ensure protocols.

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“We had a meeting with players in the entertainment industry and we reached the conclusion that outdoor entertainment can open only in privately owned property with a maximum of 120 people per 300 square metres. In large open areas, only a maximum of 2 500 people are allowed,” the premier also showed.  

Weddings, he further noted are allowed with only 50 people attending if held indoors and 100 people in an open door setting.

Despite the opening, Dr Majoro however, warned that people should stick to the protocols because if not, the country might have to go back to a complete lockdown as the second wave of the pandemic is likely.  

 

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