Special exemption for autistic patients
This week, the Ministry of Health announced a special exemption for people with autism for the lockdown period. They are now authorized to go out for a maximum of one hour each day, as long as an adult accompanies them. The accompanying person must wear a mask and respect current health restrictions. Note that they are only allowed to go out once a day within a radius of 500 meters around their place of residence.
Mauritius recorded a slightly higher birth rate in 2020
In 2020, Mauritius recorded 603 more births than in 2019. Indeed, 13,465 children were born, according to figures released this week by Statistics Mauritius. The Mauritian population comprised 1,266,030 inhabitants in 2020, with 555 people more than the previous year. However, infant and child mortality is on the rise. There were 200 stillborn infants in 2020, compared to 187 in 2019. It's also worth noting that 6,929 marriages took place last year compared to 9,709 in 2019, probably due to the first lockdown.
Distance learning is back
Primary school students are back to distance learning mode since March 9. Some of them were taking their exams when the lockdown was announced. But this does not apply to high school students who have already completed their syllabus. Education Minister Leela Devi Dookhun-Luchoomun has announced that students of some grades will be promoted automatically while others are currently preparing to take part in international exams, namely, the School Certificate (SC ) and the Higher School Certificate (HSC). Examinations will still take place, despite the lockdown.
Jane Constance honours Mauritius once again
This young Mauritian, who studies at the University of Central Lancashire, UK, has just been elected as the international students' representative. Jane Constance was in the highlights a few years ago when she participated in and won The Voice Kids in 2015. She was also awarded the title of UNESCO Artist for Peace. During the past two weeks, she took part in the debates online as she is locked down in Mauritius. Her campaign focused on "Employability, challenges of distance learning, financial difficulties". When she's back to university, she will be representing international students from more than a hundred countries.
