Yesterday, March 11, the government of Mauritius implemented a sudden nationwide lockdown, including the closure of borders, until March 25, following the reporting of 15 cases of COVID-19 in the community.
International and domestic inbound and outbound passenger flights have been suspended until March 25 but cargo flights will continue.
According to a release from the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), the island’s 1.4m citizens and residents, as well as visitors to the country, have all been asked to stay at home or in their booked accommodation for the next two weeks and follow public health guidelines including testing.
Public health officials have already implemented track and trace protocols and have successfully located and isolated those that may have been in close contact with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Nilen Vencadasmy, Chairman of MTPA, said: “Mauritius’s number-one priority is to keep our country safe and secure for all. Although just 15 cases of COVID-19 have been detected across the whole island, we have decided to implement the nationwide lockdown to make sure that there is no risk of it spreading further. These public health measures, whilst precautionary, are applicable to everyone and all visitors to Mauritius must follow the rules.”
Mauritius started its vaccination programme in January this year and the government has expanded the programme to all citizens and residents over the age of 18, including long-term international visitors who hold the Premium Visa. Mauritius is using the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.
Temporary visitors in the country on short-term tourism visas are eligible for a visa extension or to transfer their visa to the long-stay Premium Visa.
All visitors currently in Mauritius are reassured that any necessary support or emergency medical help is available to them. Visitors are advised to liaise with their airlines, hotels, tour operators and insurance companies to make appropriate arrangements, and notify their national diplomatic representatives in Mauritius that they are currently in the country.
