After Thaba-Tseka district experienced high rate of Covid-19 infections over Christmas holidays due to travellers from South Africa and other districts of Lesotho; Paray Hospital has taken an initiative to conduct screening and perform rapid test for all travellers entering Thaba-Tseka during the Easter Holidays. The campaign started on the 30th March and ended on the 3rd April, 2021. The campaign was held at Bokong Junction, Liphokoaneng junction and the hospital entrance. The purpose was to keep the spread of Covid-19 virus at the lower rate at Paray catchment areas.
The exercise focused mainly on strengthening COVID-19 case detection and contact tracing. The campaign was conducted through community mobilisation, sensitization of litolobonya groups from Ponts’eng and Sekiring, engagement of Taxi drivers, Chiefs and community counsellors (Urban Council, Beresi Health Post Majakathata Pitso Ground) and Village Health Workers.
Travelers were also provided health education on Covid-19 and the topics discussed included definition of Covid-19 and Corona, mode of transmission, preventive measures, proper usage of masks and care and demonstration of proper hand wash and donning and doffing of masks.
The Lesotho Mounted Police, through Traffic Department in Thaba-Tseka played a major role in partnership with Paray Hospital to make this campaign a huge success. For instance, in cases where some of the clients were violent; the police were able to convince them to receive the services. Community of Thaba-Tseka was very delighted that the hospital was also providing screening and testing services concurrently with the campaign points. The total number of people screened was 3 420 and the total number of people tested was 70.
