IN a bid to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, First National Bank (FNB) Lesotho on Wednesday donated 13 hand wash stations to the Ministry of Health.

Accepting the donation worth M80 000, the Minister of Health Semano Sekatle said the prime minister appealed to the business community to extend a helping hand towards the fight against the pandemic, expressing his contentment at the way local companies including the FNB have responded to the call.

The donation, he said goes a long way towards eliminating the pandemic, highlighting the importance of cleanliness and good hygiene in fighting the virus.
Mr Sekatle said the country is on the verge of rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine, especially in hard to reach areas, adding that they are going to need more assistance in that regard.

Commenting on the issue of political rallies, he said it was worrying, adding that all stakeholders have to appreciate the dangers posed by the rallies.

“The biggest problem is that should we allow the pandemic to restrict all activities be it social, economic or otherwise, that would be our biggest dilemma,” he said.

FNB Head of Marketing and Communications, ’Masakoane Marakabei said as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a global health risk, and people are encouraged to heed basic health and safety guidelines which include washing hands and wearing masks, they find it fitting to donate the hand wash stations.