Africa-Press – Mauritius. The COVID-19 variant XBB.1.16 is potentially less virulent than previous variants even if it might be more contagious. This statement was made by the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal, this morning, during a press conference held at the seat of his Ministry in Port Louis.
Dr Jagutpal recalled that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been many variants of COVID-19 such as Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron that have transitioned from generation to generation creating several variants and sub-variants.
“It is not unusual to notice an increase in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 with the regeneration of new variants but what is essential is that even though the variants might be more contagious, they are less virulent with time,” he pointed out.
Furthermore, the Minister stressed that the Government proceeds with a systematic and regular monitoring of COVID-19 cases and the number of vaccines done within the population which are compiled and reported to the population on a weekly basis.
“These sequencings are being done since nearly two years so as to monitor the virus and see how it adapts and modifies itself with time,” Dr Jagutpal indicated.
As regards the application of sanitary restrictions, he emphasised that there is no need for more severe health restrictions to be applied as it is normal that with the coming winter period, there will definitely be an increase in cases of COVID-19 or other influenzas among the population as the changing seasons make people more sick and more prone to coughing and fever, among others.
On this score, he reassured that the number of hospitalised cases has largely decreased as PCR tests have revealed 104 active cases in one week in Mauritius, 20 active cases in Rodrigues and some non-vaccinated patients are admitted to the new ENT hospital of Vacoas.
He nonetheless appealed to the population to remain vigilant by observing precautionary measures as COVID-19 is still present in the community. The most vulnerable, according to him, remains the elderly and those with comorbidities and they are more exposed to other viruses such as influenza during the winter period.
He therefore called on the public to get vaccinated. As regards availability and the resistance of the vaccines against the new COVID-19 variants, the Health Minister indicated that the vaccines are resistant to the new variants.
“A stock of Johnson & Johnson vaccines is currently available while the arrival of Pfizer’s vaccines is expected soon,” he said.
Minister Jagutpal moreover appealed to the media not to spread any false information as regards the COVID-19 virus and create panic amongst the population.
“We care for the welfare of the population and if there is any important information to disseminate to the public, my Ministry in collaboration with the World Health Organisation will ensure that same is done so as to allow the public to take the necessary precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
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