Mauritius extends COVID-19 restrictions until end June 2022

While all eyes were on cyclone Batsirai, the Mauritian government has extended regulations under the Quarantine Act until June 30, 2022.

The series of restrictive measures announced in November 2021 to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country were extended up to January for the first, then further extended until March 2022.

This time around, the fresh extension until June 30, 2022 were published in the Government Gazette on January 28.

As at 01 February 2022, there were 1,481 active cases of COVID-19, out of which a dozen were admitted at the New ENT Hospital. Over the period 20 January 2022 to 26 January 2022, 13 deaths were attributed to COVID-19. A week before that, 14 deaths had been recorded.

“The order is being issued in the interest of public health,” said the regulations, signed by PM Pravind Jugnauth.

Those found in breach of the restrictions will be liable to a fine of up to Rs500,000 and a prison sentence of up to 5 years.

Here are restrictive measures that remain in force:

Gatherings are limited to 50 people. Similar limitation for weddings and funerals, which will require police authorization.

Socio-cultural activities will be prohibited and places of worship will be limited to 10 people.

Nurseries will remain open

Restaurants will be open to vaccinated customers and may operate with vaccinated staff. Tables should be set up at a distance of two metres.

Sports complexes and gymnasiums will only admit people who have been vaccinated.

The beaches will remain open, but no picnics.

Health parks and public gardens will also remain open, but individual outdoor sports will still be allowed only for those who are vaccinated.

Kid’s playgrounds, bars and night clubs, community centres, village halls and function rooms will remain closed.