COVID-19 positivity rate inches closer to 5%

MAMELLO SEBATANE
Maseru – Prime Minister of Lesotho Moeketsi Majoro today giving an update on the status of COVID 19 said that the country is only a few steps away from achieving the under five percent positivity rate that the World Health Organization (WHO) regards as safe for a country and is observed to have control over the virus. Lesotho`s positivity rate is currently at seven percent.
He said that bed occupancy at different hospitals and centers have dropped drastically. The death rate is also down.
Despite seen achievement, he indicated that there are still more risks ahead. “Transmission has transitioned to the community, and this presented daunting challenge. Infection risks emanating from cross-border travel also remain elevated on account of expected inward travel from Basotho migrants coming for Easter holidays,” he said adding that Basotho need to continue being cautious
Due to cold temperatures that are expected in winter, Majoro said the third wave of infection is anticipated by experts. He said that it would very difficult for Lesotho to make through the third wave infections of COVID 19.
However, as the Government of Lesotho relaxes restrictions from Orange stage to Purple stage effective midnight, Majoro announced that vaccinations are expected to start mid-March as vaccines are soon to arrive.
At least 1.4 million of the country`s population is expected to receive vaccinations, 430 000 front liners will be first, 394 000 factory workers, security and defense officials follow and then the 591 000 of the general public.