Originally, since the start of the festive season, the South African government decided that only people with authentic, negative COVID-19 results not older than 72 hours were permitted to cross the border, however, many could not afford this.

A meeting was then arranged with the Lesotho Minister of Health, Motlatsi Maqelepo, concluding that the Lesotho border will commence with rapid testing using replicated NHLS test kits. The government is therefore only accepting authentic negative test results and screening permits at the border.

The Free State MEC for Health, Montseng Tsiu, says that NHLS employees were struggling immensely as contamination and exposure to the virus had increased due to the influx of people. However, pressure on the NHLS employees will be alleviated as more testing centres open.

Maqelepo has agreed to provide transport for Lesotho citizens, who test positive for the virus, to quarantine centres within Lesotho.

Lastly, if an individual is unable to do a COVID-19 test but needs to cross the border, they must make use of the facilities at the border. They should, however, expect to stand in long lines.

OFM News/Shirndrè-Lee Simmons