Interview of the Prime Minister of Mauritius by the BBC on Covid-19 lockdown

A Covid-19 Bill is currently being drafted to pave the way for easing the lockdown in Mauritius, the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, stated, in an interview to the BBC on 18 April 2020.

According to a BBC report, Mauritius has adopted the most stringent lockdown measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 over its territory. Since 25 March 2020, only essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies and banks have been allowed to operate. In supermarkets, only one person per family is permitted to shop for 30 minutes and shopping time slots have been allocated according to surnames. It is also mandatory for citizens to wear a face mask and to bring their ID cards while shopping.

To a question with regard to precautions to be taken when restrictions are relaxed, Prime Minister Jugnauth emphasised that Government is already working on how to lift the curfew which will be carried out in a staggered and phased manner. Basically, he stated, the economic aspect and how to allow people get back to work, are currently being examined.