PM rejects appeal to allow more people in places of worship

The Mauritian Government has rejected the appeal of the representatives of the main religious faiths in the country regarding COVID-19 related sanitary restrictions.

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has decided that access to churches, mosques and temples will continue to be restricted to 10 people.

L’Express reported that Cardinal Maurice Piat, Bishop of Port-Louis, Stenio André, Anglican Bishop, Nissar Ramtoola of the Jummah Mosque and Sewpoojuhn Lallbeeharry, representative of the Mauritius Sanatan Dharma Temples Federation met Prime Minister Jugnauth this week.

It cited a press release issued by the Diocese of Port-Louis stating that the purpose of the meeting was to ask the PM to allow a reasonable number of people for religious ceremonies – in compliance with sanitary measures.

Prime Minister Jugnauth, according to the press release, listened to the points raised by the religious representatives but refused to accede to their requests.

Currently only ten people are allowed inside places of worship for masses and prayers.

Weddings and funerals can be attended by up to 50 people – which, according to the statement from the Diocese, “is the cause of much incomprehension and frustration.”

Access to shopping malls is not restricted. Schools open next week without restrictions.