The time frame for the resuming of commercial flights between Mauritius and Rodrigues is still uncertain. Some say it is scheduled for 31st August, while others say that it will be during the month of October, or maybe even later. The local population is asking the same question for different reasons. Decisions are made on a day-to-day basis at a higher level at the central government, depending on the situation regarding the progression of the ‘COVID-19’ virus in Mauritius. It has been said several times by the local authorities that ‘Rodrigues must stay COVID Free’.
In the last ‘Notice to airmen’ (Notam) issued by the ‘Office of the Civil Aviation’ dated 2nd August, it has been mentioned that the suspension of commercial flights between the two islands has been extended until 31st August. One wonders whether it is August or October, as we have nearly reached mid-August. In the meantime, repatriation flights and sanitary flights are still ongoing. The notice from ‘NOTAM’ points out that passengers flying to Rodrigues must have been in quarantine for 14 days in Mauritius prior to their departure for Rodrigues. And that upon their arrival at Plaine Corail airport, they will have to stay seven more days in quarantine in Rodrigues before their released to go home. This protocol has been applied from the month of May, which is the beginning of the repatriation process of Rodriguans stranded in Mauritius back to their island. However, during the repatriation exercises on 4th and 23rd July, no quarantine was required once in Rodrigues. Since the suspension of commercial flights to Rodrigues during the month of March up to this date, some 358 Rodriguans are still stranded in Mauritius and have made request for repatriation. As at 6th August, about 465 have been repatriated. This information was given by the ‘Interim Chief Commissioner’, Nikolson Lisette at the ‘Rodrigues Regional Assembly’ sitting dated 10th August, as a reply to a question addressed by the ‘Minority Leader’ Franceau Grandcourt.
Up to now, several actions have been initiated by these people so that they may come back, as they were facing severe difficulties in Mauritius since the month of March. Dozens have even lost their lives. Some of them talk about committing suicide out of despair. Others are considering taking legal actions so that they can get back home. But one thing is sure, all these decisions have a price. The hotels are closed as there are no tourists. The arts and craft sector are on its knees, just like all other activities related to tourism. The question is: Is it wiser to keep the island ‘COVID-Free’, or reopen the air borders and face the consequences? It should be kept in mind that Rodrigues does not have a proper health system… Nonetheless, more than 60 % of the local population have been vaccinated against the ‘COVID-19’ virus. With the vaccination campaign being decentralized in villages, the target is to reach 75 % of the population as of vaccinated by 1st September. Until then, one has to wait and see.
