New measures for new arrivals, boat on fire in the port and shortage of antigen tests. Here is the news for the week of August 23.
Shortage of antigen tests
1,315 cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of this week. This increase in cases have caused a significant shortage of antigen tests in pharmacies on the island. These tests are sold at Rs 300 a unit and give results in 10 minutes. However, only two resellers can import. Pharmacists on the island have made a request this week to authorities for more import permits to be checked.
Seven day quarantine for vaccinated tourists from September
A press release issued by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) on August 14 indicates that isolation for vaccinated arrivals goes from fourteen to seven days as of September 1. It was the satisfactory vaccination rates that prompted the tourist office to reduce the length of the quarantine. Almost 60% of the population are vaccinated. Note that from the beginning of October, quarantine will no longer be compulsory.
Trawler on fire in the harbor
A Taiwanese vessel flying the Panamanian flag caught fire in the harbor of Port-Louis on Tuesday, August 24. 18 Taiwanese sailors were on board the trawler but they were able to be evacuated before any injuries were to be deplored. The ship was, however, completely destroyed by the flames. Several investigations have been initiated to determine the causes of the fire.
