Mauritius goes into lockdown
Mauritius has implemented new Covid-19 public health protocols to place the country in temporary confinement until 25 March 2021.
It follows the reporting of 15 cases of Covid-19 in the community.
International and domestic inbound and outbound passenger flights have been suspended until 25 March 2021 but cargo flights will continue.
All 1.4 million citizens and residents as well as visitors to the country have been asked to stay at home or in their booked accommodation for the next two weeks and follow public health guidelines to allow for testing and other public health protocols to be completed.
Public health officials have already implemented track and trace protocols and have successfully located and isolated those that may have been in close contact with individuals who have tested positive for Covid-19.
Nilen Vencadasmy, Chairman of Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority said: "Mauritius’ number one priority is to keep our country safe and secure for all. Although just 15 cases of Covid-19 have been detected across the whole island, we have decided to implement the nationwide lockdown to make sure that there is no risk of it spreading further."
Mauritius started a Covid-19 vaccination programme in January. The government has expanded its Covid-19 vaccination programme to all citizens and residents over the age of 18 including long-term international visitors who hold the Premium Visa.
Mauritius is using the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.
Temporary visitors in the country on short-term tourism visas are eligible for a visa extension or to transfer their visa to the long-stay Premium Visa. Mauritius is the only country in the world to offer both long term visas and the vaccination free of charge and is part of the national campaign to help keep Mauritius Covid secure.
Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority is working with hotel operators, tour operators, airlines, industry associations and others across the tourism sector to ensure that their customers and operations comply with the public health rules and to provide support to the sector.
Further public health updates will be provided by the Ministry of Health and Wellness at: https://health.govmu.org
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