Covid restrictions

That is correct Renata:

Attention is also drawn to the fact that

any arriving passenger will have to undergo PCR tests on day of arrival, day 7 and day 14 following arrival: and
if a PCR test reveals that a person is COVID-19 positive, he shall be transferred to a public medical institution for treatment.
Non-Mauritians must pay a fee of Rs13,500 per person to their hotel to cover for Ministry of Health costs (including three PCR tests administered in Mauritius) when purchasing their travel package.

source:  the MTPA travel site here https://booking.mymauritius.travel/#


In any case, you will be in one of the designated quarantine hotels at your own cost without being allowed to leave your room for 2 weeks:

"proof of purchase of a travel package including accommodation, on a full board basis, at a designated hotel for a mandatory 14-day in-room quarantine."



All travelers who come from or have been in transit in the following countries during the last 15 days will not be allowed to enter the Mauritian territory until 28th February 2021:
UK
South Africa
Japan
Brazil


Let's hope that the restrictions (which are totally understandable to keep the island as relatively COVID-free as it has been until now) become less strict after 28 February, or if not then at the very least from 31 March

Oh God! Thank you so so much for taking the time to reply!
We must wait so, and pray that it will be less strict!

Hello Ceresiet
Curious to know as to why the 28th feb or 31st march?

I am travelling...resident of mauritius...but the hotel quarantine is pricey...dont think there are any other alternatives at the moment..

I mentioned those dates because all Tourist flights in the booking systems of the airlines had been totally removed upto those dates (i.e. only gorvernment-approved flights happening before then)

This is only one indication though and nothing set in stone - we must wait for the Government who makes announcements from time to time about the situation (usually around the middle of a month to come into effect from the 1st of the following month) - in any case we must presume that the 28 February window has passed, and we must put our hope on the 31 March / 1 April window for the lessening of restrictions.


At the very least, the Restaurants, Hotels and Holiday Rentals on the island were hoping to get some bookings for Easter to recoup some of the income they have lost this whole summer season, but the time is rapidly coming to a close for that to happen as well.



the following article refers:

https://www.mauritiusconscious.com/covi … 7ca4d-4d2f


Is it possible to travel to Mauritius, Rodrigues and Reunion Islands?
If you are planning to come on holidays to Mauritius we recommend that you check with our team regarding the latest travel requirements and restrictions set forth by the authorities before your travel.

Updated 3rd February 2021 / 11h30 GMT+4

On the 15th of January 2021, the Government of Mauritius decided to extend the quarantine period for incoming travellers from 15 February 2021 to 31 March 2021.

Prohibition for aircraft and ships entering Mauritius – unless authorised by local officials – will also be extended till 31 March 2021.

In response to the new coronavirus variants around the world, Mauritian authorities have amended their protocols accordingly and adopted the following precautionary measure:
Travellers coming from or having been in transit in UK, Japan, Brazil and South Africa for the previous 14 days – as of 25th January – will be denied entry in the Mauritian territory until at least 28 February 2021.

On the 26th of January 2021, Mauritius launched its Covid-19 vaccination programme, prioritising frontline essential workers including healthcare professionals, employees within the tourism sector, airport personnel, senior citizens, and those with underlying medical conditions.  The objective of this programme is to immunize 60% of the population by 2021; a crucial step in ensuring the recovery of the economy.

Depending on the evolution of the pandemic and the global vaccination programmes, Mauritius will envisage easing entry restrictions and quarantine requirements progressively. It is expected that soon vaccinated visitors will be granted free access to the country.

At present, Mauritius continues to monitor and observe stringent covid-19 health and safety protocols. The 14-day quarantine at an approved property and the PCR test remain mandatory for travellers.

To stimulate and motivate relocation in a Covid-safe environment, Mauritius has also introduced the one-year Premium Visa with an option for renewal. For more information about this visa, please reach out to our team at gerald@mauritiusconscious.com

Rodrigues
Commercial flights to Rodrigues Island from Mauritius are now operating. Mauritian residents are not to take the PCR test when travelling to Rodrigues.

Flights between Reunion Island and Rodrigues remain suspended until further notice.

Reunion
Unless the traveller has a significant and compelling reason (health or family emergency, professional reason), travel to Reunion Island is restricted at present.

Hello everyone,

Little Update!!

ALL FLIGHTS TO MAURITIUS SUSPENDED FOR ONE WEEK AS FROM TOMORROW 07 MARCH 2021

https://booking.mymauritius.travel/

"The National Covid-19 High Powered Committee met today and took the decision to enforce travel restrictions to Mauritius for a period of one week with effect from midnight today 06 March 2021.

No passenger will be allowed entry or transit in the Republic of Mauritius.

No passenger will be allowed entry in Rodrigues.

Crew members will be allowed entry and shall have to strictly abide to the sanitary protocols set out by the Ministry of Health and wellness in Mauritius.

The MTPA will keep the travelling public informed of developments."

We have 6 local confirmed cases of covid 19 since yesterday. It was reported yesterday that an employee of a company operating in the retail and distribution of fruits and vegatables sector has been infected. From there, other employees and their family members have been tested and contact tracing is still going on. The Government has decided to restrict all flights to Mauritius.

Thanks for your update Anoushka.  You shared a very useful info.  I request you to keep any updates regarding this matter.

Thank you for the information.
I hope they do lots of testing to find out where the covid hot spot is and go from there! Fingers crossed no more cases in the next 14 days.

We have now 8 local cases, and testing is still going on. The first (what they think is the 1st) infected man of 44 yr old working at a fruit and vegetable importing company (SKC Surat at Wooton) was last seen at work on Saturday 27/02/2021. On Sunday 28/02/2021, he attended a prayer at the Full Gospel Church of God, at rue Leclézio, Curepipe.

It was during the first days of March that started to get sick and showed symptoms of fever etc. Till now we don't know how he was infected.

Hotline : 8924

Please wear your masks, respect social distancing when in public and use hand sanitizers/wash your hands.

Hi Anoushka, 

I'm relaying completely on your information.  Pls keep updating . Thanks a lot.

Local news

Religious/cultural events cancelled

1. Mauritius Sanatan Dharma Temples Federation - 07 March 2021

Cultural shows and activities at Grand Bassin for Maha Shivaratri festival have all been cancelled to avoid any gatherings.


2.The Diocese of Port-Louis (Cancellation of XL Hours - Forty Hours' Devotion)  - 07 March 2021

Following the announcement of new local cases of COVID-19 in Mauritius, Cardinal Maurice E. Piat has taken the following measures:

The XL Hours are canceled until further notice. Parishes which have already started the XL Hours on Sunday March 7 are requested to close the XL Hours at 1:00 p.m. today.

Pilgrimages to 7 or 14 churches are also canceled until further notice.

It is also recommended to observe and reinforce, if necessary, barrier gestures (wearing a mask, social distancing, use of the santizer).
Bishopric of Port-Louis

dioceseportlouis.org/2021/03/07/annulation-des-xl-heures/

3. The Mauritius Tamil Temples Federation  - 07 March 2021

In view of current pandemic situation and resurgence of local cases of Covid-19 in Mauritius, the Mauritius Tamil Temples Federation recommends the following :

- All group prayers at Kovils to be suspended,

- We request all bhaktens to perform their Poosei in their Saami Arai at home by reciting or listening to Thirumurai.

Moreover, we request everyone to adhere and to respect sanitary protocols such as regular hand sanitizing, wearing of mask and to maintain social distancing all the time.

....
We shall keep you updated of any decision as and when necessary.

Information provided to the press at the High Level Committee conference, which is currently being held at PMO.

Schools closed Monday 08/03, Tuesday 09/03 and Wednesday 10/03. Thursday and Friday are public holidays. This decision concerns primary and pre-primary schools, secondary and tertiary establishments and daycare centers.

Any updated news?

Local news

2 children were confirmed as being infected, one of whose parent was among the positive cases identified earlier. It had already been announced yesterday that all schools, colleges, universities etc will remain close this week. We are now at 10 confirmed cases.

Children, parents and staff of the school will now be tested.

There is a live conference from authorities right now : https://fb.watch/45WiLR7P5q/

In kreol/french though.

Hello everyone,

Sad news (again). We are again in national lockdown as from tomorrow, Wednesday 10 March 06 00 a.m for a period of 2 weeks till the 25th March.

The Prime Minister has addressed the nation on the coronavirus situation. We have more cases (15 now). Some are not related to the 1st cluster so a national lockdown has been imposed. Workplace and all activities will remain close except essential services like police, fire services, medical services. There won't be any public transport operating.
Supermakets, grocery stores, filling station and banks will remain close till the 11th so that they can adjust and prepare themselves to re open. They will operate by alphabetical order.

Thankyou Anoushka

Anou86  - 

Anoushka.  Many thanks for your regular updates.
May I propose you become our regular newsreader.
Zoom is called for please. 
Thanks for your time & very good info/updates.
Regards
Rick

Thank you soooo much for the update! You rock! Sad news, but we will get through it🙏👐🙌

Thank you for your appreciation, Rick and 123Whitehill. Will try my best to keep you posted.

So, in 1 minute the lockdown will be ffective. Here is the official document for law enforcement during this period :

https://fr.scribd.com/document/49806975 … from_embed

Stay safe everyone, wherever you are.

What somehow precipitated Government to impose this lockdown is the spread of the virus in the community. At first, we had only one cluster; several people from a fruit and vegetable processing company and their family members, mostly living around Curepipe, Floréal, Castel, Angrais Martial, Vacoas.

However, yesterday, a 21-year-old Forest-Side resident was tested positive and admitted to ENT hospital. She works as a telephone operator in a security services company in Port-Louis, the capital city.

She could have met/been in contact with more than 250 people as an event was organised at her place last Sunday, she is also a university student and ofcourse she spent time with colleagues at work. Her aunt and her uncle, two residents of Phoenix, have also tested positive for Covid-19. She says she doesn't know anyone who works in the fruit and vegetable processing company.

Contact tracing and covid testing will carry on.
People living in the above mentioned areas and who think they might be covid positive or have been in contact with covid infected people are invited to call the hotline : 8924

https://defimedia.info/covid-19-une-jeu … -personnes

-----------------------------------------------------------------

As soon as the lockdown was announced, people rushed to gas stations, grocery stores and mini markets causing traffic jam and long queue lines. At midnight/ 1:00 am some shops were still open.




https://www.facebook.com/topfmmauritius … 855634009/https://www.facebook.com/topfmmauritius … 862467699/

COVID-19: 13 new local cases detected!

After the five local cases announced yesterday, it escalated this Wednesday. In fact, the Ministry of Health issued a press release announcing 13 new cases of local contamination, bringing the total to 28 since last Friday.

The Special Mobile Force are setting up roadblocks around the island to ensure compliance with the conditions related to national lockdown. Only people working in the essential services are allowed to circulate/ or if one has a medical emergency.

We have 3 new local cases - Total 31 local cases now.

Shops, supermarkets and mini markets will open tomorrow 11 March. They will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Monday and Saturday. Shops will be closed on Sundays

Access will be in alphabetical order:
A-F (Monday and Thursday)
G-N (Tuesday and Friday)
O-Z (Wednesday and Saturday)

Only one member per family will have access for a maximum of 30 minutes. Those under 18 will not be granted access. Bring along your ID/passport.
Wearing a mask and respecting social distancing are mandatory

Gas station, fillings and any outlets selling gas will be able to operate.

Bakeries will be able to operate as from tomorrow, but no on-site sales will be allowed.

Fishermen and farmers are allowed to work provided they have their registration card with them.

People who need to go out to work need to apply for a Work Access Permit on the following website : https://besafemoris.mu/

In the event of abuse of commodity prices please contact the Consumer Affairs Unit of the Ministry of Commerce on the 185

Banks :

5 MCB branches will open from Thursday 11 to Saturday 13 March 2021, from 10:00 to 13:00 and will offer a minimum service: Curepipe, Flacq, Grand Baie La Croisette, Port Louis (Sir W. Newton) and Rose Hill.

Access to the agencies will be in alphabetical order:
• Thursday March 11: A to F
• Friday March 12: G to N
• Saturday March 13: O to Z

All other MCB agencies
will be closed until further notice.
ATMs are operational across the island, 24/7.
Use digital channels for your transactions: cards, Juice and Internet Banking. Our team remains available in private messaging or on 202 6060 for any assistance required.


SBM branches in Mauritius will operate from 10.00 A.M. to 1.00 P.M. from Thursday 11 March 2021 to Saturday 13 March 2021, until further notice.

• Flacq
• Goodlands
• Port Louis Main branch
• Rose Belle
• Rose Hill
• Surinam
• Triolet
• Vacoas
The following services will be available:
•    Cash withdrawal and deposit
•    Cheque deposit and encashment
•    Money Transfer   
Note: Customers visiting SBM branches should abide by Government's protocol regarding access by alphabetical order as follows:
A-F: Monday and Thursday
G-N: Tuesday and Friday
O-Z: Wednesday and Saturday

Clearing of Cheques deposited and other Interbank and MACSS transfer requests made on Saturday or on a public holiday will be processed on Monday or the next working day.

Interbank fees on ATMs have been waived until further notice.

All remote channels (Internet Banking/Mobile Banking/ATM/SBM easy-pay) remain operational 24/7.
For any query, kindly contact Customer Service on 202 12 56 or send an email to sbm@sbmgroup.mu.


ABSA Bank
Absa Bank (Mauritius)
five branches will be open to members of the public from Thursday March 11 through Saturday March 13. The hours are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

These branches are:

Port-Louis (Rue Sir William Newton)
Flacq
Rose-Belle
Grand Baie
Ebene

Access by alphabetical order as follows:
A-F: Monday and Thursday
G-N: Tuesday and Friday
O-Z: Wednesday and Saturday

MauBank branches will be operational tomorrow, Thursday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

Port-Louis (Place d'Armes)
Goodlands
Flacq
Mahebourg

Access by alphabetical order as follows:
A-F: Monday and Thursday
G-N: Tuesday and Friday
O-Z: Wednesday and Saturday


I might have omitted some points, if you need any information please post your questions.

Communique from the National Land Transport Authority

19 new cases this Thursday, total of 52 local cases since March 5



Local contamination cases are concentrated in the above regions

From midnight tonight there will be a more strict lockdown in the following constituencies :

15 La Caverne and Phoenix
16 Vacoas and Floreal
17 Curepipe and Midlands

People will neither be allowed to enter nor leave these regions, roadblocks will be installed at different points and police checks will be carried out.

Public transport/taxi services as well as banks, meat/poultry shops will not be allowed to operate.


[link under review]

The Ministry also request anyone present at  Sainte Hélène Church of Curepipe in the afternoon of March 6th to call 8924 please, also those who attented a religious ceremony in Forest-Side, Sunday March 7. They might have been in contact with covid postive individuals, PCR will be conducted.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ministry of Finance

The Wage Assistance Scheme and the Self Employed Assistance Scheme reactivated for the two weeks of inactivity

The Minister of Finance reinstates the Wage Assistance Scheme and the Self Employed Assistance Scheme for the two weeks of confinement.

The announcement was made this afternoon by Renganaden Padayachy.

The minister maintains that the government will contribute financially for the two weeks of inactivity. Self-employed will receive a sum of Rs 2,550.

The payment of this financial assistance will be made as from March 20.

Regarding the repayment of bank loans, the bank of Mauritius should come soon with solutions, adds Renganaden Padayachy.

99 Local case recorded.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare recorded 43 new cases of COVID-19 in the evening of March 11, 2021. Bringing the number to 99 local cases.
These new cases were detected as a result of Contact Tracing exercise.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Happy Independence Day

Today, 12 March, we  "celebrate" our 53 years of independence and 29th anniversary as a Republic. The flag raising ceremony will be held at the State House, Réduit, the official residence of the President of Mauritius. There will be no police parade. The ceremony should remain simple. The Prime Minister and the President will then address the nation their message on the occasion, which will be broadcasted on TV and other social media.

Does anybody know, where this guy caught the virus?

Hi 123whitehill,

Till now, the gov hasn't been able to trace the source/ the silent spreader.

They don't know for sure how the first guy caught the virus (contamination through fruits and vegetables packages has been unvalidated).

We have reached 124 cases and have several potential clusters (atleast 3 clusters).

- People in the fruit and vegetable processing/importing company - Wooton
- A person having attended the Full Gospel Church of God, LVD, Curepipe
- People who attended a religious event  where there were around 250 attendees - Forest-Side
- Colleagues of the girl whose family hosted the Forest Side event - Caudan
- Students and teachers of a highschool  - Curepipe College

New addition
- A girl aged 3 living in the East not related to any cluster.

This mapping was published yesterday night (the number has escalated since).

Any updates miss Anoushka

Hello Sreenidhi,

The press conference of the National Communication Committee just ended.

We have in total 130 local cases.




The Minister of Health has put emphasis on the importance of barrier gestures. Although the number of cases seems to stabilize, we should remain cautious as we could end up with more cases; Covid-9 incubation time can last up to 14 days.

The vaccination campaign has resume for a section of the population. Only those working in the essential services will be/need to be vaccinated till end of March. By begining of April, they will communicate on the continuity of the vaccination program for the rest of the population.

Concerning work, it had been recommended earlier this week that work from home should be prioritised and that those who need to go out to work need a Work Access Permit. This permit will be delivered to those working in the essential services, applications can be made on the following website : besafemoris.mu

Till then, stay safe.

Information from Air Mauritius

Thankyou Anoushka.

Hello everyone,

Daily updates

ALL FLIGHTS TO MAURITIUS SUSPENDED AS FROM 07 MARCH 2021

The National Covid-19 High Powered Committee took the decision to enforce travel restrictions to Mauritius with effect till 31st May 2021.

No passenger will be allowed entry or transit in the Republic of Mauritius.

No passenger will be allowed entry in Rodrigues.

Crew members will be allowed entry and shall have to strictly abide to the sanitary protocols set out by the Ministry of Health and wellness in Mauritius.

The MTPA will keep the travelling public informed of developments.

booking.mymauritius.travel
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Press conference of the National Communication Committee



We have 135 local cases

A new cluster has been indentified; a factory in Malherbes where 14 people have been confirmed positive to covid-19

Clusters:
Wooton 21 cases
Forest-Side 52 cases
Curepipe 37 cases
Malherbes 14 cases
11 cases under investigation

The Ministry of Health is not only conducting PCR tests but also serelogical tests measuring protective antibodies against covid-19 to investigate how and when the virus spread started. Contact tracing is still in progress.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Ministry of Education has made a couple of announcement concerning upcoming national exams.

Dates of exams :

- PSAC: April 6, 7, 8 and 9
- NCE: March 30 to April 8 for NCE
- SC / HSC: March 22 to June 11
Vaccination will begin this week for staff who will be monitoring in exams centres.

Students of Curepipe college (cluster) will take their exams in another location.

Bookshops and stationery stores will operate from 16th March - 20th March to allow students to buy school supplies for exams.

Transport either public or private will operate to allow students to attend their exams. Parents dropping their kids at school should have with them a copy of the exam timetable and a copy of student card (as we know we are still in lockdown).

Provision will be made for students in quarantine so that they can take part in their exams.

Stay safe.

hey anou

many thanks for your invaluable updates. do you know when  the restrictions on travel to and from the island will be next reviewed?
best
stan

Flights to Reunion Island by Air Mauritius cf post #32

standaman1967 wrote:

hey anou

many thanks for your invaluable updates. do you know when  the restrictions on travel to and from the island will be next reviewed?
best
stan

Hi Stan,

You're welcome 

Prior to this new episode, all passengers coming to Mauritius had to quarantine for a period of 14 days in assigned hotels.

Decision to close borders was taken after we had our first local postive cases. Covid positive patients are sent to specialised hospitals. However, those who might have been in contact with them are sent to quarantine in hotels. The authorities took this decision in anticipation of a  greater number of locals needing rooms to quarantine.

I might be too optimistic (who knows) but since borders are closed till 31st of May, I hope they can contain the spread till then and re open borders as from end of May. I think they will review the date when we have no local cases for atleast 2 weeks.

We are in a heavy lockdown so I hope it bears its fruits.

Regards,
Anoushka

Gd Day/Afternoon Anoushka & everyone

Trust you are managing ok in these difficult times.
Anoushka thanks very much for your very detailed reports. 
Am sure we will overcome everything very soon.
Keep the faith.
Kind Regards
Rick

Thank you for your update! We are very happy having you here on the forum!