Port Louis suburbs declared ‘Red Zone’ as Covid-19 cases soar

Several suburbs out of Port Louis have been declared ‘Red Zones’ as from 8pm this Friday, July 2 after dozens were tested positive for Covid-19.

The region of Vallée-des-Prêtres counts 17 positive cases – most of whom are said to be linked to what is being described as the Terre Rouge Cluster (also known as Foondun Cluster). The cluster comprises at 11 members of a family which reportedly attended a wedding despite quarantine restrictions.

Since June 29, some 48 people have been tested positive, including 13 in Terre Rouge, 17 in Vallée-des-Prêtres, 10 in Cité-Martial and a few in Coromandel, Port-Louis and Vallée -Pitot. 

Speaking during the National Covid-19 Committee briefing, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Krishna Jhugroo, said the residents of Chitrakoot, who are close but not in the red zone, will require a special permit to go through Vallée-des-Prêtres to enter Port Louis. 

Health Minister Dr Kailesh Jaugutpal said people, who have taken two doses of anti-Covid vaccines, are allowed to go in self-isolation, provided arrangements are made to keep away from family members.

As of this Friday, there were 293 active cases of Covid-19 in Mauritius.