As of Monday, Mauritius had only 83 active COVID-19 cases. This is good news after the sharp rise in the number of cases in early April. Only 3 new cases have been recorded in recent days. So in total, 576 COVID-19 cases were reported since March 5. Currently, 478 patients are considered cured and have been allowed to return home. Since the beginning of the second wave, 14 COVID-19 patients died. However, according to local authorities, only 7 of these deaths are directly linked to COVID-19. The 7th patient passed away on Sunday evening at ENT Hospital in Vacoas, where he was admitted for treatment.
What will happen on May 1?
The Work Access Permit (WAP) won't be needed anymore from Saturday, May 1. However, anyone going out has to comply with existing health protocols. Wearing a mask, social distancing, and regular hand sanitising remain mandatory. Anyone found not wearing a mask and ignoring the health instructions is liable to a fine. Besides, from this Saturday, the alphabetical order will no longer apply to shops that will also be open on Sundays. However, businesses are required to ensure compliance with health restrictions. Also, people under 18 and the elderly are advised to avoid going out.
Only ten people are allowed to attend funerals and civil weddings. Police clearance is essential in both cases. Note that civil marriages can only take place at the Civil Status office.
While parks, kindergartens and public gardens remain closed, the fitness trails will be accessible from Saturday. So you are allowed to practice individual outdoor activities. Gyms and sports halls remain closed, however, and sports competitions are prohibited until further notice.
From Saturday, markets are also allowed to operate in compliance with strict sanitary measures. Beauty salons can also reopen. Medical, dental and veterinary practicians and opticians will also be able to resume their normal activities.
Still, many activities remain prohibited, and many places remain closed, at least until the third phase of reopening on June 1, 2021. So you can neither go to the beach nor food courts, cinemas, nightclubs, casinos, bars, or places of worship. Socio-cultural activities, therefore, remain prohibited until further notice. Fairs are not allowed either. Restaurants and fast-food outlets can provide take-away and home delivery services only.
Vaccination campaign
The COVID-19 vaccination campaign is in full swing across the island. This Monday, a number of schools' teaching and non-teaching staff received their first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine. This exercise began on Saturday and should be completed before the start of the new school year on June 14, 2021.
Reopening of borders
The government recently announced that Mauritian borders would not reopen before August 2021. However, consultations are currently on with tourism professionals regarding a reopening plan.
