No third lockdown, says PM amid growing criticisms on COVID upsurge

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has announced that a third lockdown is not on the agenda. He was replying to questions from the press following a tribute ceremony for Woman Police Constable (WPC) Dimple Raghoo – who was killed  during a police operation last year.

“Those calling for a new confinement are those who criticised the first lockdown on social networks and who complained about people not having anything to eat,” Jugnauth argued.

He added that “several people had even encouraged looting of businesses… The lockdown should not be taken lightly.  A lockdown is a not a joke,” he claimed.

A new lockdown, he explained, would negatively impact several sectors including trade and tourism.

“The situation is changing. We are monitoring the situation on a daily basis. We take action regularly and we communicate transparently. […] Everyone must take their responsibilities such as wearing their mask, disinfecting their hands and respecting social distancing,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party has claimed there has been “criminal negligence by the government” on the COVID-19 case.

“The letter to the French Ambassador (asking for oxygen support) reflects the government’s guilt. Minister Jagutpal’s regular deceits are putting the population at risk,” Labour MP Shakeel Mohamed has claimed, adding that the “Mauritian Government has failed in its duty to protect the population.”