Last week when he announced the partial ending of the lockdown from Thursday, April 1, 2021, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth made it clear that we all have to learn to live with the virus. But the rapid progression of the pandemic compelled the government to change its strategy. The lockdown was initially extended from March 25 to 31, 2021. However, this new decision is a relief for thousands of Mauritians for whom the partial reopening was a major concern.
A rapid rise in the number of cases
As of Friday, April 2, 439 cases had been recorded in quarantine and in COVID-19 testing centres set up by the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life. New cases were recorded from Wednesday night to Thursday morning. However, 98 patients are considered to be cured since the beginning of the lockdown. They were allowed to return to their homes. The country currently has 337 active cases.
Contact tracing and random tests are being carried out across the island to contain the spread of the virus.
A deadly new surge
The Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in two new deaths. You will recall that 10 people died during the first wave in 2020.
Between Tuesday evening and Wednesday, two patients admitted to ENT hospital passed away due to complications from COVID-19. On Wednesday evening, another dialysis patient admitted to Souillac hospital passed away. It is suspected that he had been infected by a nurse who works in this hospital's dialysis unit.
What is happening from this Thursday, April 1
From this Thursday, April 1, shopping malls, hypermarkets, supermarkets, mini markets, poultry shops, stores, food shops, and hairdressing salons can operate from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, people will only have access in alphabetical order. Bakeries can also reopen. Hardware stores can operate until 6 p.m. and banks during their normal opening hours.
Private health establishments and medical laboratories, opticians and eyewear, ports, airports and other related activities, automotive technical control centres, post offices and retail outlets for agrochemicals and agricultural inputs have also been allowed to operate. But cafes, restaurants and fast-food outlets can only provide home delivery services.
Schools and educational establishments remain closed, except those designated as examination centres.
Courts will only provide the minimum judicial services deemed essential by the Chief Justice.
Pharmacies and gas stations remain open, as was the case since the beginning of the lockdown.
Restricted activities
From this Thursday, April 1, only Work Access Permit (WAP) holders are allowed to travel to work. Sectors like agriculture, livestock and construction are subject to strict restrictions. Besides, only registered fishermen are permitted to operate.
On the other hand, the number of people who can attend a funeral or a civil wedding is limited to 10. Other gatherings are now allowed. Horse races will be held behind closed doors, but online betting is allowed.
Prohibited activities
Fairs, public events, including sporting events and activities, social and cultural gatherings, concerts and religious weddings and ceremonies, are strictly prohibited until April 30, 2021.
