By Neo Kolane
The ministry of health’s director of clinical services and head of COVID-19 case management, Dr Lucy Mapota, says rapid testing for travelers to South Africa is unlikely to start today, but will only commence when the ministry is ready.
This despite the minister of health, Motlatsi Maqelepo, yesterday, informing the Free State department of health that his ministry will, from today, be offering South African Health Products Regulatory Authority-approved rapid testing for travelers returning to the neighbouring country to South Africa.
Maqelepo stated that the tested negative individuals will be given clearance certificates as agreed between South Africa and Lesotho to avoid fraud.
However, Mapota today told theReporter that they are still in the process of assembling staff, getting the testing laboratory ready, and putting together all the required equipment.
Mapota also explained that the rapid testing is envisaged to be conducted at the Maseru and Maputsoe ports of entry which have the largest volumes of travelers.
