Bereng Mpaki
THE National Emergency Command Centre (NECC) has warned business operators who are currently open during the coronavirus (Covid-19) to ensure that their staff have access to safety materials like sanitisers or risk being closed down.
The centre’s head of information and communications, Abeloang Ramakhula, this week told the Lesotho Times that business operators were failing to observe the safety protocols as prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
He said it was worrying that people still queue in large numbers at the ATMs.
“Some businesses do not take precautionary safety measures such as observing social distancing and providing sanitisers for their staff and customers,” said Mr Ramakhula.
“The management of the NECC strongly appeals to bank authorities to ensure that social distancing and other safety measures prescribed by WHO are observed accordingly in all banking halls. The same applies to supermarkets and other essential services providers.”
He also recommended proper use of masks and gloves as wrong usage could increase the spread of the virus.
“Some businesses have so far failed to comply with the prescribed measures for their staff and customers. Any business found contravening the prescribed safety measures will be closed down forthwith.
“We are working to save lives and we cannot afford any compromises. The NECC reminds public transport operators to strictly observe the following passenger loads. For 2+1 for 4+1 taxis and 9 + 1 for mini-buses which are expected to operate from 6am to 10am and 3pm to 6pm. The passenger load also applies to private vehicles.”
Meanwhile, the NECC also reminded the reminded public that movement across the borders is restricted to persons transporting essential goods and services only.
“The government has found it necessary to take these decisive steps to ask people to direct people to stay at home and to observe social distancing as the only option to save.
“The lockdown is not meant to punish people but to minimise chances of infection with Coronavirus…
“The public is encouraged to be vigilant and maintain safety protocols to minimise the spread of the virus that is, wash hands with soap and running water, observe coughing and sneezing etiquette and follow quarantine measures,” Mr Ramakhula said.
