By Neo Kolane
Eclat, a textile firm based in Thestane Industrial Area had its workers vaccinated against the pandemic Covid-19 this week at its premises.
Speaking at the administration of the jab, minister of labour and employment, Moshe Leoma regarded this as a big day because Lesotho’s textile and apparel industry accounts for about 20 percent of the country’s gross domestic product and employs about 40,000 people, most of whom are women.
Leoma said good health was highly important for the workforce and that vaccination would help reduce the chances of being infected with the deadly virus.
He encouraged that every worker must be vaccinated as the places of work are usually congested where it is difficult to observe the health protocols. He said the shots were meant to limit the chances of contracting the virus which has killed millions of people worldwide.
On behalf of the minister of health, Thabo Sophonea said that it was important to remember the importance of factory workers hence the administration of the vaccine.
Sophonea thanked the government of Lesotho as well as private sectors for securing vaccines for Basotho, citing the country as one from which others should take a leaf to inject the vaccines to their people.
Director general health services of the ministry of health, ‘Nyane Letsie showed excitement that the launching of vaccinating factory workers took place at Eclat. She urged the workforce there to set an example of good health practices.
Those who were diabetic and had high blood were advised not to receive the shots.
The workers were advised to consult the doctor who is based at the premises in the event of experiencing any suspicious symptoms.