That multiple mutations’ variant, Omicron, is worrying. The Prime Minister, addressing the Nation on Thursday at 6:30 pm on MBC, called the population to adapt but above all, to protect themselves as much as possible with the coming of the festive period. He therefore extended the current health restrictions until 15 January 2022. He also announced the good news of the reception of one million doses of Molnupiravir which will be distributed soon in our hospitals.
Announcing the ongoing sequencing exercise for the detection of Omicron, Pravind Jugnauth was clear, “we must not panic in the face of an Omicron detection, we will have to adapt… We cannot always live under restrictions and bans”. Thus, the importance of precautionary measures.
Government’s precautions for the population
The limitations and prohibitions in force and maintained are as follows:
- Gatherings are limited to 50 people. Similar limitation for weddings and funerals, which will require police authorization. Socio-cultural activities will be prohibited and places of worship will be limited to 10 people.
- Nurseries will remain open to children whose parents’ work.
- Restaurants will be open to vaccinated customers and may operate with vaccinated staff. Tables should be set up at a distance of two metres. Horse races will continue to be held in camera with only 100 people allowed at the Champ de Mars.
- Sports complexes and gymnasiums will only admit people who have been vaccinated twice or who have received the third dose.
- The beaches will remain open, but no picnics. Health parks and public gardens will also remain open, but individual outdoor sports will still be allowed only for those who are vaccinated.
- Kid’s playgrounds, bars and night clubs, community centres, village halls and function rooms will remain closed.
Good news for the public – Molnupiravir and Pfizer offered
Prevention, precaution but above all treatment. These are the words of the government. The Prime Minister reminded us in his speech that it is very likely that Omicron will not be the last Variant but “fortunately, the WHO said yesterday that the vaccine remains effective“. He announced that the campaign to administer the Booster Dose will be accelerated. “From Friday 10 December, people over the age of 70 will be able to receive the Pfizer vaccine as a booster dose,” he announced.
The other good news is the reception of 1 million doses of Molnupiravir on Tuesday 07 December. This is the drug produced by Merck Laboratories for the treatment of people who have contracted Covid. The PM said: “As recently as Tuesday, we received one million doses of Molnupiravir, a new drug against the virus, and it is most effective when taken at the beginning of the disease. The arrangements for distributions to hospitals were communicated by Health Minister Kailesh Jagutpal.”
The Prime Minister made it clear that “We are doing everything to get the latest treatment as soon as possible“. He took the opportunity to advise people not to be swayed by rumours. “Never, despite all the rumours, has there been a shortage of masks, medicines, or oxygen. On the contrary, we have always taken precautions for the future,” he said. He also mentioned that doctors and nurses will be arriving in Mauritius in the coming days to assist in our health services.
He also expressed his relief at France’s decision to remove Mauritius from its ‘Scarlet Red’ list and keeping the country on its Red list only which allows travel for Mauritians and French people who are vaccinated. He expressed his support for the African countries to which Mauritius has closed its borders. The PM illustrated this support by the donation of Sinopharm and Sputnik V vaccines to Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Education Plan 2022 announced this Friday
During his address, the Prime Minister announced that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Leela-Devi Dookun will unveil on Friday 10 December her new plan for the 2022 takeover, which is already scheduled for mid-January. As a reminder, schools have been closed for a month already, as of 09 November, but the continuation of the term is being done online.
