The population took the situation too lightly by transgressing the sanitary measures. Thus, with the resumption of pre-covid habits, the raise in contamination was inevitable. The Prime Minister ordered the restrictions to be observed for one month, from 12 November to 13 December but there will be no lockdown. There will be measures to contain and mitigate the contamination from 06:00 on 12 November 2021 until 06:00 on 13 December 2021. Work from Home will be appreciated in all those sectors where possible.
A heavy Laxism
Pravind Jugnauth did not mince his words. In his speech to the population, he spoke of “laxism”, blaming those responsible for the spread and the worsening of the situation of the infected and the victims, for having shown “imprudence” and “irresponsibility”. The general observation was made in the most crowded places including shopping malls, beaches, food courts and malls and especially during the last series of public holidays. He drew up a list of restrictive measures that will be reinstated with the ultimate aim of mitigating the spread of the virus.
The measures are not news
The population is unlikely to feel weighed down by the measures as they have already been applied in the past. The Prime Minister emphasised that barrier measures will have to be strictly observed, including the wearing of masks that properly cover the nose and mouth, social distancing of at least one metre, the use of hand sanitizers and monitoring of body temperature.
The number of people allowed is reduced from 100 to 50 at public and private gatherings, funerals and weddings. This time, the police must be informed of each gathering so that the proceedings and number of people present can be monitored. However, for places of worship, only 10 people will be allowed at a time.
Sports complexes and gymnasiums should only be open to ‘fully vaccinated’ people and the distance to the square dedicated to a member should be 4 meters. The area should be well ventilated. The beaches will remain open but picnics will be strictly forbidden. Other activities will not be restricted except for the respect of barrier gestures. The same applies to public gardens and fitness trails, which will remain open. But for access to the kindergartens, the accompanying persons must be vaccinated.
To help working parents, kindergartens and nurseries will remain open. But schools will be closed and classes will be online only
In the Restaurants, staff will have to be vaccinated and access will only be given to those who are vaccinated and whose proof will appear on their vaccination pass, digital or physical. The distance of 2 meters between the tables must be respected.
Horse racing may continue at the Champ de Mars but on an ‘in camera’ basis with a maximum of 150 employees.
Bans
Bars and nightclubs are ordered to close. Beach picnics are strictly forbidden. Socio-cultural activities, sports competitions, concerts, reception halls, festival halls, community centres and CAB offices are also unauthorised.
Responsibility of the population expected
To sum up, for this month from 12 November to 12 December, the government is asking for solidarity and collaboration, but also rigour towards these measures. The Ministry of Health and the National Vaccination Committee have also put the word out for vaccination and especially the Booster Dose, which has only reached 20,000 administrations out of the 900,000 expected. The government and the Ministry of Commerce, on the other hand, advise against panic buying and an artificial shortage at the end of the year when consumption is normally doubled. The Prime Minister has warned that violators will be punished, “Strict controls will be carried out permanently and sanctions will be applied to those who violate the recommended measures” he concluded.
