Attachments
In Numbers
726 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lesotho
174 recoveries from COVID-19
US$30.7 million six months (July–December 2020) net
funding requirements, representing 87 percent of total six-month requirements
428,250 people targeted in 2020
Operational Updates
• The Prime Minister announced the closure of churches, schools, initiation schools, political rallies, gyms and parks, sports except non-contact sports such as golf, and public gatherings, except those intended for COVID-19 awareness with maximum of not more than 30 people. Prison visits have also been banned except for health workers and law enforcers with permits, noting that community service provided by prisoners have also been suspended.
• In July, public works activities resumed in Berea, Maseru and Botha-Bothe, engaging 198 participants.
This is an expansion of the ongoing public works activities in Mafeteng Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing, reaching a total of 9,794 people (52 percent women) during the month. Measures to observe COVID-19 guidelines have been enforced, ensuring that each working group has 10 participants working in different areas of the project sites. WFP partnered with Red Cross in assisting with sensitizing participants about the virus.
• In response to COVID-19, preparations are underway for starting an urban response in Maseru,
Mohale's Hoek, Mafeteng, Quthing and Qacha's Nek districts. A total of 8,500 vulnerable households in urban areas, representing 34,000 beneficiaries, will be targeted through cash-based transfers (CBT) using mobile money. Targeting and verification exercises were done in collaboration with the Government through the Ministry of Social Development.
• In support of the Disaster Management Authority, WFP held a workshop on 13 July to validate policy documents on disaster management that have been reviewed and updated under the ECHOfunded project. This project is implemented in collaboration with UNICEF and FAO with the main objective of strengthening early warning/early action system linked to social protection.