Health: increase in cases of COVID-19, flu and gastro, shortage of some drugs
The authorities recorded 493 cases of COVID-19 between Wednesday, November 9 and Thursday, November 10. This is the most cases recorded in 24 hours in a few months. These cases have been confirmed by antigenic tests. Currently, 28 patients, including a 10-year-old child, are admitted to the ENT hospital in Vacoas. On the other hand, the country has not recorded any death related to COVID-19 since November 4.
In addition, the authorities announced that the wearing of masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport as of Saturday 12 November. It will also no longer be mandatory to wear a mask in the passenger terminal of the airport and port. However, the wearing of the mask remains mandatory in these places: hospitals, private clinics, pharmacies, private medical and dental offices, retirement homes as well as in institutions where people with disabilities are located.
The country has also recorded an increase in cases of influenza, acute respiratory infections and gastroenteritis for several weeks. 4,476 cases of acute respiratory infections and influenza were reported from October 31 to November 6 while 875 cases of gastroenteritis were recorded from October 31 to November 6 compared to 799 the previous week. An unusual situation at this time of year.
Note that several drugs are currently out of stock in pharmacies. Mainly concerned are Piriton, Maxilase and Doliprane suppositories.
Water supply: more frequent cuts in several regions
The reservoirs are drying up. As a result, cuts in water supply will be more frequent in several regions of the island, particularly in the North. But not only. The hours of supply have also been reviewed for areas such as St-Joseph, Vallée-des-Prêtres, Tranquebar, Isidore-Rose, Grand-Sable, Petit-Sable, Bambous-Virieux, Nouvelle-France, Union-Park, L'Escalier, Mont-Roches. These locations are considered to be water stressed. Water trucks will be made available to the public in these areas.
Key repo rate increases to 4%
Another increase in the key rate. The rate was raised from 3% to 4% following the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee to increase the repo rate by 100 points. Since the beginning of this year, there has been a cumulative increase in the policy rate of 215 basis points. Also, for 2023, the Central Bank expects inflation to be between 5% and 6%. Growth is expected to remain strong, above 7% in 2022 and 5% in 2023.
