By Neo Kolane
The National COVID-19 Secretariat (NACOSEC) has announced plans to keep a data system for people who have vaccinated against the infectious virus.
Announcing the country’s move to blue colour level of restrictions on Sunday, Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro, said the country has experienced a decline in COVID-19 infections, leading to the relaxation of the restrictions.
He said people who seek services will in the future be required to produce vaccination cards and the national identity cards.
The effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination cards will be required at all sporting activities, concerts, gyms, political rallies, parks and liquor stores and restaurants.
Speaking during a media briefing this week, chief of staff of NACOSEC, Thabo Ntoi, said that there will also be a spot check after every event which will assist in determining the effectiveness of vaccination cards.
Ntoi said organisers of events should ensure that the attendees be in possession of vaccination cards and national identities.
Ntoi said that people need to understand that COVID-19 has no cure.
He reminded people that the pandemic began in 2020 and has so far killed millions worldwide. He said some restrictive measures taken included curfews in order to control and prevent the spread of the pandemic.
The secretariat decided on October 9 to introduce the vaccination cards in order to obtain services.
“Closing of some crucial services hindered a lot of people’s lives. The introduction of vaccines will help people not to get sick easily and it will stop the limited of movement and services that were offered,” Ntoi said.
Ntoi said in as much as entertainment associations such as DJ Association of Lesotho (DJALE) and Lesotho Liquor and Restaurant Association (LLROA) complained that they were not consulted when the decision to introduce the vaccination cards was made.
“From today, NACOSEC has a series of consultations with stakeholders that were included in the speech that was made by the prime minister. Many of the entertainment industries have been longing for night clubs to open so that DJs can operate and as such the introduction of COVID-19 vaccination card is the solution.
“Event organizers should work together with NACOSEC,” Ntoi advised.
Ntoi also said that law enforcement agencies are to be on the lookout for those breaking the restrictions on COVID-19.
He urged against theft and bribery that are likely to break out when the COVID-19 restrictions are lowered to the blue colour level.
In an interview with theReporter, the public relations officer of DJALE, Bafokeng Ramoseeli, could only say that half a loaf is better than nothing. This, in reference to the adjusted COVID-19 restrictions
“We are glad that the night clubs are opened and that we will be able to work and put food on our tables,” Ramoseeli said.
The president of LLROA Motseki Nkeane said he had a virtual meeting with NACOSEC this morning.
He told the publication that NACOSEC has advised the association members to encourage their customers to vaccinate as a health measure to prevent and control the spread of the global threat.
He warned the secretariat to unleash its might to inform and educate the general public about the disease.
It was expected the legal notice gazette would be released yesterday.
