Nearly 2,000 active COVID-19 cases
Mauritius has had a record of more than 3,300 local COVID-19 cases since March 5, 2021. However, in recent months, 1,360 infected people have been considered cured and have been authorised to return to their homes. As of Wednesday, there were 1,927 active cases detected in different places thanks to COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. Among the 69 new cases reported on Wednesday morning, five patients have been admitted to the ENT hospital in Vacoas for treatment. Besides, one more death linked to COVID-19 was reported this week. It's also worth noting that there are no longer any red zones on the island since Tuesday evening.
42% of the population immunised against COVID-19
These figures were communicated this week by Minister of Health Kailesh Jagutpal to the National Assembly. To date, 42% of the population, that is, 531,000 people, have already been fully vaccinated against COVID. This represents 64% of the adult population in Mauritius. Some 650,000 people have already received their first dose. Among the elderly, 230,000 people have been vaccinated, including 145,872 who have been fully immunised. The Minister of Health also indicated that the Janssen vaccine is being considered for children aged 3 to 7 years and for those aged 12 to 17, depending on the results of clinical trials.
Deviations planned on the M1 motorway
This is an important notice for users of the M1 motorway. Traffic will be disrupted on Thursday, July 29, Tuesday, August 3, Thursday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 10 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. due to roadworks. From 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., the highway will be completely closed. This was communicated this week by the Ministry of Transport and Light Rail. Vehicles coming from the North of the island will be diverted to the B46 road at Montagne Ory in order to access Réduit and the South of the island. They will therefore have to go through Moka to the Telfair roundabout. As for vehicles coming from the South, they will be diverted onto the access ramp to the Pont Matar at the Réduit interchange to access to Port-Louis and the North of the island. They will have to go through either the B46 road from Telfair to Montagne Ory or the A7 road to the Telfair roundabout. Regarding those who have to go to the Bagatelle Mall, they will have to go through either Martindale road from the University of Mauritius to the State House or by the B46 road. Signs will be installed to guide motorists.
A new anticyclone in the region
Weather conditions in Mauritius got worse once again this week due to an approaching anticyclone. This has resulted in heavy rainfall, temperature drops and gusts of up to 75 km / h in some places. In the high lands, temperatures are expected to drop to between 14 and 17 degrees Celsius overnight. In coastal areas, the temperature is expected to be around 23 and 25 degrees Celsius during the day and between 19 and 21 degrees Celsius at night. Due to heavy swelling and waves of up to 2.5 meters beyond the reefs, you are advised to avoid sea outings.
Protest against rising fuel prices on Friday
This Friday, July 30, consumer protection associations along with other non-government organisations and trade unions are going to protest against the recent rise in the price of fuel. They finally obtained the approval of local authorities this week, provided that they abide by current health restrictions. The rally should start at Volcy Pougnet Street, in Port-Louis, from 2 p.m. and end around 3:30 p.m. at Champs de Mars.
Rising youth unemployment rate in Mauritius
In the first half of 2021, Mauritius had 1,300 more young unemployed people aged 16 to 24. The figures were communicated by the Minister of Labor, Soodesh Callichurn, to the National Assembly this week. The total number of young unemployed people thus rose from 17,300 to 18,600. They currently account for 31.5% of the working-age population. During the same period in 2020, the unemployment rate among young people in this age group stood at 23.5%.
