The tourism sector seems to be back on track. Also in the news, the Moderna vaccine is now available in Mauritius.
More than 40,000 tourists visited the island in January
Europe remains Mauritius' main tourist market. In January, the country welcomed 40,028 tourists. At the same period in January 2021, 1,232 tourist arrivals were recorded. 95% of these arrivals were from Europe. The first market remains France with 11,180 tourists, followed by the United Kingdom from where 5,340 arrivals were recorded and Germany (+ 4,386 tourists). South Africa dominates the African market with 1,883 foreigners having set foot on Mauritian soil. In Asia, 1,628 tourists visited Mauritius during the first month of the year.
2,749 cases of COVID-19 from January to Wednesday
Since the beginning of the year, Mauritius has recorded 2,749 positive cases. On Wednesday alone, authorities announced that 188 new patients had tested positive, the highest rate this year. A situation caused by the Omicron variant which is more contagious although less dangerous. Moreover, there has been more affluence in the flu clinics across the island the last few days.
Moderna vaccine available for those between 18 and 39 years old.
Mauritius has received its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine. France has donated 200,000 vaccines to the country. Another shipment of 100,000 vaccines is expected soon. The vaccine is given as a first dose or as a booster dose for those who have received two doses of Covaxin, Covishield/AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, or Sputnik V. Those who were vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson can also be inoculated with Moderna as a second dose. In addition, since January 15, only Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are recognized as booster doses in France and are eligible for the vaccine pass.
