This weekend, the number of local COVID-19 cases dropped below 200. Only two new cases have been reported this week compared to the past few weeks where more than 500 cases had been recorded. From March 5, 2021, a total of 573 cases have been detected. But things seem to be improving.
According to the Ministry of Health, 406 patients have been cured and allowed to return home. Regarding the death toll, only five are attributed to COVID-19. The rest of the victims, according to health authorities, were already suffering from other medical complications. The latest death is that of an advanced cancer patient.
Still, COVID-19 tests are being carried out across the island as a prevention measure. It currently looks like we're heading towards the end of the lockdown scheduled on April 30. It's worth noting that most economic activities have already resumed, with more than 650,000 Work Access Permits (WAP) delivered last week to the active population.
Similarities with the first wave
Last year, the last COVID-19 case was reported on April 26. However, the lockdown was extended to ensure that the community was safe from the virus. This is how Mauritius became “COVID-Free” for several months until new local cases were reported on March 5, 2021. But according to local authorities, we should not be rejoicing too soon, although the situation seems to be under control.
According to Dr Catherine Gaud, an epidemiologist and advisor to the Prime Minister's office, we will have to wait at least 14 days after the last case has been reported and 14 additional days to know if the second wave is really over.
Only a few remaining red zones
Constituencies No. 15 (La Caverne / Phœnix), 16 (Vacoas / Floréal), and 17 (Curepipe / Midlands) are no longer in the red zone since the end of last week since no new cases have been detected. On Saturday, Chamarel was also removed from the red zone, and on Wednesday evening Highlands was removed too. Only a few regions remain on this list -- Surinam, Riambel, Chamouny, Rivière-des-Galets and Chemin-Grenier.
New Souillac Hospital: Staff and patients living with fear
The past few weeks have been really harsh for the staff and patients, especially those attending the haemodialysis unit. While only five deaths have been officially linked to COVID-19 since the start of the second wave, nine dialysis patients passed away in recent weeks. But it is believed that 7 of those nine deaths resulted from complications directly related to COVID-19.
However, fifty other dialysis patients who were quarantined and in treatment centres were allowed to return home on Saturday following negative PCR tests. Of these 50 patients, only two had tested positive after having been into contact with an infected nurse.
