The High Powered Committee decided to ban all inbound travel until the 27th of March. The decision has also been taken to only allow passengers under certain conditions until the 31st of March. Conditions include a negative PCR test. Cargo airplanes and ships are, however, still being allowed in. With a second outbreak in Mauritius, the authorities have decided to curb the number of incoming passengers to allow for more space in quarantine centres. Indeed, there has been a surge in the number of people needing to be quarantined with this second outbreak.
How many COVID-19 cases have been reported?
As at the 16th of March, there were 146 active cases of COVID-19 in Mauritius. All four people tested positive for COVID-19 on the 16th of March were already in quarantine and no cases were found in the local community despite 368 PCR tests being administered on the 15th of March, whether through contact testing, flu clinics as well as random testing is continuing across the island.
Will the lockdown be extended beyond the 25th of March?
Until further notice, Mauritius will be under a lockdown order until the 25th of March. During the daily press briefing, on the 16th of March, the minister of Health, Kailash Jagutpal explained that the extension of the lockdown would depend on cases in the local community. He pointed out that the last cases had been identified within quarantine and not within the local community. “We urge anyone who suspects they might have caught the virus to notify the authorities to make sure they do not infect anyone else. This will help us contain the epidemic and will make sure we are out of lockdown as soon as possible”, says Kailash Jaguptal.
Can I get to work during the lockdown?
Those working in private companies, self-employed, the public sector or parastatal bodies can request for a Work Access Permit (WAP). WAPs will be distributed by the Commissioner of Police. You can request for a WAP on the beSafeMoris app.
Can I still get vaccinated during this lockdown?
Vaccination campaigns restarted on Monday the 15th of March. However, for the time being, only frontliners and diplomats are being vaccinated in hospitals. Regional vaccination centres are being set up across the island to welcome the general public. To know where the vaccination centre for your region is and whether you are able to visit, please call the .
