Africa-Press – Mauritius. As from 15 September 2021, vaccination will be compulsory for those working in the tourism sector such as restaurants, nightclubs, and pubs; Police and firemen; personnel and Mauritian and foreign residents of dormitories; staff from hairdressing salon; as well as those working in gyms and fitness centres.
This announcement was made, this afternoon, by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Minister of Tourism, Mr Louis Steven Obeegadoo, during the press briefing of the National Communication Committee on COVID-19 held at the New Treasury Building in Port-Louis. This measure, he highlighted, will help Mauritius better prepare itself for the re-opening of borders on 1st October 2021.
He recalled that the situation in the country is much better than that of other countries in the region in terms of number of COVID-19 cases and the percentage of people admitted in hospital as well as number of deaths which has been possible through high rates of vaccination in the country.
Speaking about the number of people vaccinated in Mauritius, Mr Obeegadoo underlined that as from today, 60% of the population have been fully vaccinated with two doses while 65% have received their first dose. This, he said, represents an exceptional success in the African region apart from Seychelles where 71% of its population have been vaccinated.
He added that Mauritius has a higher percentage of vaccinated people in the African and Indian Ocean region, with 60% of its people having been inoculated as compared to France (58%), Germany (60%), Italy (60%), USA (53%), and UK (64%).
Mr Obeegadoo noted that although the number of COVID-19 cases have increased since the past two weeks, the percentage of people who are COVID-19 positive with symptoms stands at 6% while only 1% are positive and admitted to the ENT Hospital for treatment.
In terms of number of cases per 100 000 inhabitants, Mauritius is more than 10 times better than Réunion Island, three times better than Seychelles, much better than Maldives and other developed countries such as Singapore, USA, Canada, and France, he added.
As regards number of deaths, he revealed that Mauritius has less deaths per 100 000 inhabitants than developed countries and countries such as Seychelles, Comoros, South Africa, Réunion Island, and Madagascar.
However, the Deputy Prime Minister cautioned that there is a need to vaccinate more people especially the vulnerable such as elders, and those with comorbidities since the Delta variant is more dangerous.
In that context, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity so as to inoculate all patients in the hospitals, outpatients, as well as those who are bedridden.
He also appealed to pregnant women and those who want to start a family to come forward and to get vaccinated. As regards the number of passengers who came to Mauritius since 15 July 2021 as at date, Mr Obeegadoo indicated that more than 7 600 have arrived including on repatriation flights. This represents 42% of Mauritians and 58% of foreigners, he stated.
Furthermore, he pointed out that several flights, apart from Air Mauritius, are operating in the country such as Emirates, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Kenya Airways, and Air Austral adding that Air Belgium as well as other airline companies will service the SSR International Airport as from 1st October 2021.
Speaking about hotels, he underlined that 75% of them have re-opened, among which 36 have been converted into Quarantaine centres and Treatment centres, 23 are operating as resorts, and 21 have re-opened for local tourists.
He also stated that 15% of Guest houses have re-opened. Mr Obeegadoo mentioned that since 18 April 2021, the Government has organised flights and helped 615 Rodriguans fly to Rodrigues.
He announced that as from now till end of September, some 200 Rodriguans will be able to go to their island, with a first batch scheduled on 10 September, a second batch on 15 September, and a third one on 20 September. As from 1st October, commercial flights between Mauritius and Rodrigues will be operated, he said.
