By ‘Majirata Latela
The minister of foreign affairs, ‘Matšepo Ramakoae has reassured the nation that 85 Basotho who are currently trapped in India due to the third wave of Covid-19 are still safe.
To date, India has recorded a total of 23,340,426 confirmed Covid-19 cases, 19,376,650 recoveries, and 254,225 deaths. Active cases stand at 3,709,551 while 171,089,918 people have been vaccinated.
Giving a report on Basotho nationals living in India in the National Assembly earlier this week, Ramakoae indicated that only three Basotho in India were reported to have contracted the virus last year and were treated and have since recovered. She, however, reported that during this third wave there have not been reports of Basotho who have contacted the virus.
“We are pleased to report that Basotho who are currently in India are given the best care and safety measures by all institutions.
“As the ministry we urge all Basotho in India to stay safe wherever they are so as to avoid contracting the virus.
“Taking Basotho out of that country at this juncture is not possible as they are scattered in very far apart places and India is currently under total lockdown. Also, many airlines have stopped flights coming out of India,” she said.
She added that the Lesotho High Commission in India has been directed to report back to Lesotho on any challenges that Basotho could face so as to find how they could be assisted.
Many of this 85 are students in India while the others are in various sectors; there are also members of the Lesotho Defence Force who are undergoing training in that country.
