GIS - 18 March, 2020: Three cases of Covid-19 have been registered in Mauritius, following tests conducted for which they have been reported positive. It concerns three Mauritian nationals who have travelled back to Mauritius recently aged 21, 25 and 59 years respectively. Two have worked on cruise ships and one is from the United Kingdom.
This was announced by the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, this evening, during a press conference at the Treasury Building in Port-Louis whereby he added that all three Mauritians are in isolation at the Souillac Hospital. Moreover, he pointed out that the tests have been sent to South Africa for further confirmation.
The Prime Minister also announced that as from tomorrow, Thursday 19 March 2020, at 06:00 GMT, that is at 10 00 hours local time, access to Mauritius for all passengers including Mauritian nationals at the airport will be denied for the next 15 days. All passengers coming into the country before 10 00 hours will be automatically quarantined. Similarly, all cruise ships will not be authorised to enter the Port.
Prime Minister Jugnauth made an appeal to the population to remain vigilant in the wake of the pandemic. He called upon each and everyone to demonstrate a sense of responsibility vis-à-vis this difficult situation and to take all precautionary measures by abiding strictly to the sanitary instructions as set by the different authorities. Reassuring the population that Government is closely monitoring the situation while at the same accelerating its sensitisation campaign, he stressed that further actions will be taken ultimately in respect of the evolution of the pandemic.
Closure of all academic institutions
Moreover, following the reported cases of COVID-19, the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology has proclaimed as from tomorrow, Thursday 19 March 2020, a lockdown of all academic institutions that is pre-primary, primary, secondary schools; technical and professional training centres; and tertiary institutions as a preventive measure until further notice.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: http://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov