The Prime Minister, Dr MoeketsiMajoro announced on Wednesday that the hard lockdown has been extended with 7 days effective from today Wednesday midnight to February 03 (Wednesday next week).
This, Dr Majoro announced when addressing the nation on natioal television and radio on Wednesday evening.
The lockdown extension means all restrictions still stand, he said, singling out the curfew which starts from 7:00 pm to 06:00 am.
He said Cabinet made this decision considering the state of COVID-19 in the country, saying the infection rate was 46 percent when the lockdown started two weeks ago and now is lower with 11 percent as it stands at 36 percent.
He further expressed concern that COVID-19 death rate is still high as numbers are high and scaring.
Again, unavailability of oxygen in hospital is another reason the Cabinet decided to extend the lockdown with another 7 days.
Dr Majoro assured the nation that government is working tirelesly to ensure that oxygen is available in all hospitals when needed, saying they are working with suppliers to minimize shortage of oxygen in health facilities.
He remarked that funerals remain a concern and most rampant spreader of the coronavirus as people continue to violate the COVID-19 funeral restrictions.
Talking about the vaccine, the Prime Minister said Cabinet will meet on Thursday to discuss procurement of this vaccine and its rollout in April in the country.
Dr Majoro said government will announce new direction before the end of 7 days to pave a way forward, adding that in preparation for next week decision, ministers have been directed to hold in depth consultations with different sectors to ensure that all are on board.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister warned the nation that it is the responsibilty of every Mosotho to ensure protection of self and others hence urged all to use masks when leave their resdential homes.