The Mauritius government on Wednesday announced it has lifted most of the COVID-19 restrictions which were still in place, allowing bars and nightclubs to reopen and removing a public mask mandate to boost tourism, reported The Africa News.
In a national radio address, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth recalled that the government was forced to take difficult decisions, particularly a total containment which had consequences on the economy, and that he was particularly pleased with the rate of vaccination achieved by Mauritius.
“We did not rush to reopen our borders, it was done in stages and we see that it is a formula that has worked well,” said Mr Jugnauth.
He concluded that now the people of Mauritius can enter a new phase with confidence.
The wearing of masks will no longer be compulsory in the public space but will continue to be imposed in some indoor settings such as health centres and on public transport.
The Prime Minister said restrictions on public gatherings and crowds at weddings, funerals and places of worship have been lifted. Bars and nightclubs can reopen, as can major sports venues. The government has also allowed picnics at beaches which were restricted until now.
Mr. Jugnauth nevertheless encouraged the population to remain vigilant when it comes to wearing masks to help contain the spread of the virus.
Mauritius reopened its doors to international visitors in early October, but a resurgence of the pandemic the following month imposed a new wave of restrictions, putting a damper on the country’s vital tourism industry.
Last week, the South African government also repealed regulations requiring face masks, restrictions on gatherings and checks at borders, after reporting a decline in the number of new daily COVID-19 cases, hospitalization and reported deaths. Tourists are now no longer required to show Covid vaccination certificate or provide proof of a negative Covid test while entering South Africa.
