Mauritius Implements Nationwide Lockdown following 15 cases of Covid

The government of the Republic of Mauritius has implemented Covid-19 public health protocols and placed the country in temporary confinement until 25 March 2021 to keep the Indian Ocean country as safe and secure as possible. This follows the reporting of 15 cases of Covid-19 cases in the community.

International and domestic inbound and outbound passenger flights have been suspended until 25 March 2021. Cargo flights will continue.

All 1.4 million citizens and residents as well as visitors to the country have been asked to stay at home or in their booked accommodation for the next two weeks and follow public health guidelines to allow for testing and other public health protocols to be completed. 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 Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, said: “Mauritius’ 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 is looking forward to welcoming visitors back later in 2021 in the knowledge that we are a safe and secure destination.”

Mauritius started their Covid-19 vaccination programme in January 2021 and in one of the world’s most ambitious vaccination programmes, the government of Mauritius has expanded its Covid-19 vaccination 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. Mauritius is the only country in the world to offer both long term visas and the vaccination free of charge and is part of the national campaign to help keep Mauritius Covid secure.

Further information on the Premium Visa and application process is available at: https://mauritiusnow.com/premium-visa

All visitors currently in Mauritius are reassured that any necessary support or emergency medical help is available to them. Visitors to Mauritius are advised to liaise with their airlines, hotels, tour operators and insurance companies to make appropriate arrangements. Visitors should notify their national diplomatic representatives in Mauritius that they are currently in the country.

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority is working with hotel operators, tour operators, airlines, industry associations and others across the tourism sector to ensure that their customers and operations comply with the public health rules and to provide support to the sector. Where hotels are required to close, international visitors will be provided with assistance.

Further public health updates will be provided by the Ministry of Health and Wellness at: https://health.govmu.org   MTPA will provide further updates on travel advisories: https://www.mymauritius.travel