Almost 1000 new cases were recorded in a week in Mauritius. It is the highest number of cases recorded in just one week on the island. All this, while life goes back to normal and borders are reopening. What should we know about the rise in the number of cases, vaccination campaigns and the reopening of borders?
What to know about new cases
Since Monday, 756 cases have been registered in the island. A record since the start of the epidemic in Mauritius with 368 cases recorded in a single day on Tuesday July 20. This figure can be scary, since the island being small and activities having resumed their normal course, the virus seems to be everywhere. However, keep in mind that nearly 500 of the cases reported this week come from three dormitories where factory workers reside. Moreover, these dormitories have been transformed into quarantine centers and the premises have been secured.
Factory workers who tested positive for COVID-19 are, therefore, in isolation and under strict conditions, and a contact tracing exercise has been carried out to trace all those with whom they have been in contact. What could be of concern is that those factory workers who were infected with COVID-19 had been vaccinated. Most of them, therefore, have no symptoms, so it may be difficult to trace which ones they may have infected.
Beyond the factory workers residing in these three dormitories, cases have been identified in quarantine as well as during contact tracing exercises. What should be of most concern, however, are the cases that have been logged in COVID Testing Centers. In fact, more than a hundred cases have been detected in COVID Testing Centers since the start of the week.
As of today, only the infected dormitories as well as the village of Bois-Chéri in the south of the island are in the red zone. La Tour Koenig and l'Amitié villages also appear to be under surveillance by the authorities as mass screening exercises have been carried out there.
How about vaccines?
Vaccination campaigns are ongoing on the island. The administration of the first doses of the Sinopharm vaccine is done at several vaccination sites on the island, while the Sputnik V vaccine is given at the Castel vaccination center. Priority is given to teaching and non-teaching staff, to those working in tourism, to airport staff as well as to Air Mauritius and the port. To get vaccinated, you still have to go through the Economic Development Board to register. The organization will give you an appointment afterwards.
The Pfizer vaccine that Mauritius will receive in August will be reserved for children.
Restrictions and Precautions
Although the number of infections continues to increase, there is also a desire to resume normal, or near-normal, life. Despite the restrictions in place and the ever-decreasing temperature, the urge to go out to eat, to go to the beach, is there. So here are some precautions to take.
- Respect the sanitary rules. Right now, you can't have more than 50 people, have a picnic at the beach, and you have to wear the mask all the time in public. Instructions to absolutely respect.
- Avoid the crowds. If you can, avoid public transportation, malls, or restaurants when they are crowded. If you want to meet your friends, opt for the terrace restaurants or for meals to take away and enjoy at home.
- Mask mask and mask. If necessary, use the double mask trick. If you wear your mask, maintain a safe distance, and wash your hands regularly, your chances of contracting the virus are almost zero.
- Save hugs for close friends. And yes, it is difficult but it is better to reserve the hugs for those whose frequentation and itinerary you know (roughly). At least until the situation improves!
