Between the rainy weather, an increase in gastroenteritis cases and the rise in prices of imported products, here's an insight into this week's local news.
Showers and risks of floods
As you have probably noticed this week, weather conditions have been deteriorating across the island. The National Meteorological Station announced heavy showers from this Thursday, January 6, 2022, due to a low-pressure zone around Madagascar. This has made atmospheric conditions unstable. According to the forecast, the weather is not likely to improve until early next week. Therefore, the population is strongly advised to take all the necessary precautions due to the risk of water accumulation in several regions.
Increase in the number of gastroenteritis cases
Heavy showers, high temperatures and humidity also suggest water contamination and health risks. An increase in the number of gastroenteritis cases has been recorded in hospitals and health centres across the island in recent weeks. During the last week of December, 711 cases of gastroenteritis had already been recorded, and with the current weather conditions, things are not likely to improve anytime soon. Therefore, the Ministry of Health recommends proper hygiene and consulting a doctor as soon as symptoms appear, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever, approximately 12 to 36 hours after infection.
Soaring prices of imported products
Statistics Mauritius published its latest analyzes on prices in Mauritius at the end of December. According to this report, in recent months, the prices of imported products have skyrocketed faster than those exported by the island. In the third quarter of 2021, an 8.3% rise in the prices of everyday consumer products was recorded. However, the prices of products exported by Mauritius only rose by 5%. Bad news also for those having property construction projects this year. Cement prices will increase by 10% from the end of January.
Rapid Antibody Tests banned in Mauritius
This decision was taken by the Cabinet at the end of December. The import of Rapid Antibody Tests is now prohibited in Mauritius. This measure is in line with the Consumer Protection (Control of Imports) Regulations 2017. The testing kit has only been available in pharmacies for two weeks. It's very likely that new measures will be introduced regarding its use.
