’Marafaele Mohloboli

FOREIGN Affairs and International Relations Minister ‘Matšepo-Molise-Ramakoae has been taken ill with Coronavirus (Covid-19).

A weekend statement from her ministry said she was first admitted at a hospital in Bloemfontein on 8 December 2020.

“It was later discovered that she was positive for Covid-19 and is currently receiving treatment in hospital,” the ministry said.

“The people and government of the Kingdom of Lesotho wish the Honourable Minister a speedy recovery and God’s blessings. All World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and protocols are being observed to ensure the safety of all who have been in contact with her recently.

“We take this opportunity to remind the public that the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us and we should all continue to take necessary measures to minimise its spread. The Ministry will continue to provide updates on her condition.”

Ms Ramakoae is the second cabinet minister after her health counterpart, Motlatsi Maqelepo, to test positive for the disease which broke out in China at the beginning of the year with the first case being recorded in Lesotho in May this year.

Other high-profile figures who have tested positive for the virus are former Deputy Prime Minister Monyane Moleleki and his wife ‘Malimpho Moleleki. The couple have since recovered after being quarantined and treated at the Berea Hospital center in July this year.

The disease also claimed the life of High Court Judge Lisebo Chaka-Makhooane. He died on 14 July 2020.

As of yesterday, confirmed Covid-19 cases stand at 2250. Of these, 1319 people have recovered while the number of those who have died from the disease is 44.

So far, 27 964 Covid-19 tests have been conducted in the country.