GIS - 04 April, 2020: All Government actions taken amid the Covid-19
outbreak are geared towards relieving the population from its adverse socio-economic
effects and providing support to vulnerable groups. In this context, a home to
home payment system of pension to some 58 000 beneficiaries, comprising the
elderly, people with disabilities and the vulnerable, is being implemented
since yesterday so as to contain the risk of transmission.
Speaking at the daily press briefing of the
National Communication Committee on Covid-19, this afternoon, at the Treasury
Building in Port Louis, the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, recalled
that the above mentioned measure will help lessen the spread of the Covid-19. Mauritius
has recorded, as at date, a total of 196 positive cases of Covid-19, including
seven deaths. He stressed that it is only through collective action, shared
sacrifice and national determination that Mauritius can overcome this outbreak.
Prime Minister Jugnauth announced that to support
the needy in this dire situation, some 65 000 vulnerable households will
benefit from a 20 percent reduction on their electricity bills while small
enterprises whose electricity consumption do not exceed 125 kilowatts will receive
a reduction of 10 percent. He also outlined a series of measures taken in the
wake of this unprecedented situation, namely financial support of Rs 5100 to persons
employed in informal sectors and those who are self-employed, and reopening of
supermarkets under strict guidelines, amongst others.
He cautioned that the seasonal transition to winter
will soon start and urged everyone to take more precautions against the
seasonal flu. To this end, he stated that the Ministry of Health and Wellness
will soon start the annual anti-influenza vaccination exercise for the elderly
and people at risks, and will also deploy mobile health clinics to reach all
citizens.
As regards the reopening of supermarkets, the Prime
Minister stressed that all supermarkets and shops will remain open but the
situation will be closely monitored by the authorities for further improvement.
He expressed satisfaction to the fact that most citizens are respecting social
distancing and are adhering to the conditions imposed. He attributed this
positive change mainly to the various sensitisation campaigns being carried out.
For his part, the Minister of Health and Wellness,
Dr Kailesh Jagutpal underlined that quality health services are being offered by
experienced medical staff to people who have been tested positive to Covid-19.
#ResOuLakaz #BeSafeMoris
Government Information Service, Prime
Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius.
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