Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro said on Sunday that Basotho working in South Africa and other countries should not consider coming home for the Easter holidays but instead stay where they are.
He said infection risks emanating from cross border travel remains elevated on account of expected inward travel from Basotho migrants returning home for the holidays.
But, the migrant workers association says the decision demonstrates that the government does not have clear strategy in dealing with cross border issues.
Cases of illegal border hopping, which saw some people drowning in the Mohokare River, the association say are likely to increase because people cannot afford not to come home for the holidays.
“I am happy to report today that the infection rate that peaked at 47 percent has now dropped to seven percent. Bed occupation rates and deaths have also dropped significantly. However, risks of another spike remain elevated as of today.
“I want to take this opportunity to encourage Basotho in South Africa not to come home during the Easter holidays and continue taking care of themselves wherever they are,” Dr Majoro said.
Last year during the Christmas holidays, cases of COVID-19 sky rocketed and the death toll also increased mainly due to the inward travel from Basotho migrant workers from South Africa.
Instead of forcing people to stay where they are during the coming holidays, the association believes migrant workers could be allowed to come home and like health professionals be given priority in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
