Between the new surge of COVID-19 cases and the further depreciation of the Mauritian rupee, here's an insight into what happened this week in Mauritius.
New rise in COVID-19 cases
More than a hundred new COVID-19 cases were reported in Mauritius this week, most of them linked to a new cluster in Terre Rouge. It seems that those who tested positive recently attended a wedding in this region. As a result, several neighbouring localities, including Le Hochet, Cité Martial and part of Plaine Verte, were red zoned early this week after Valley des Pretres and Morcellement Foondun, in Terre Rouge last Friday. Contact tracing is on, and police have warned of sanctions to be taken against people who attended the wedding. At the time of the contamination, that is to say, during the 2nd phase of deconfinement, only small groups of 10 people were allowed.
Mauritius received more than 500,000 doses of Sinopharm
Despite issues regarding the recognition of the Sinopharm vaccine abroad, Mauritius has just received new stocks. On Sunday, 500,000 doses of the vaccine arrived from China. According to the Minister of Health, Kailesh Jagutpal, these further doses have been purchased at Rs 380 million, excluding the Rs 12 million for transport and handling. Furthermore, on Monday, the United Arab Emirates donated 5,000 more doses of the Sinopharm vaccine to Mauritius. This should boost the vaccination campaign since Mauritius now aims at vaccinating at least 70% of the population by the end of September to achieve herd immunity before the full reopening of borders in October 2021.
Sports activities are now accessible under certain conditions
Since July 1, 2021, most sports facilities managed by the Mauritius Sports Council have reopened. But under certain conditions. A maximum of 50 people is allowed on football pitches, stadiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, etc. Temperature checks at the entrance, hands sanitizing and wearing masks before and after practising sports remain compulsory. However, there are stricter regulations for swimming pools depending on their size. For example, 25-meter long pools can accommodate only five swimmers per lane, while 50-meter pools can accommodate seven swimmers per lane. Besides, social distancing has been set at 2 meters. Access to the changing rooms and the stands is prohibited until further notice. The MSC is also encouraging people who want access to swimming pools, including coaches, to get the jab.
Oil traces found on Southeast beaches
Several southeastern villages had serious concerns this week after oil traces were discovered on Pointe d'Esny beach on Tuesday. Photos taken by a local resident made the buzz on social media. It's been nearly a year since the shipwreck of MV Wakashio off the coast of Pointe d'Esny, which caused an oil spill. However, the beaches in the area were cleaned up and accessible at the start of the year 2021. Following a site visit, the Ministry of the Environment stated that samples had been taken for analysis. The National Coast Guard, with the collaboration of Polyeco SA, also started a cleaning up campaign.
The Mauritian rupee keeps on depreciating
The Mauritian rupee is currently in its fifth month of depreciation. According to the Bank of Mauritius, the Mauritian rupee has kept on depreciating against leading foreign currencies since last January. The Mauritius Exchange Rate Index is keeping an eye on its evolution. An average drop of 1.1% has been recorded in recent months. For example, currently, the US dollar is worth Rs 42.31 when bought Rs 43.21 when sold. The euro is worth Rs 50.00 when bought and Rs 51.39 when sold. Regarding the pound sterling, it can be bought at Rs 58.31 and sells for Rs 59.86.
