The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Kailesh Jagutpal, has stated that the island nation has won the battle against coronavirus but that the war against the virus is very much active. The Prime Minister’s statement was pronounced in the context of Mauritius being labeled as a Covid-free zone.
“Mauritius is looking forward to welcoming back visitors to our Indian Ocean paradise island safe in the knowledge that we are a luxury Covid secure destination,” the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Agency (MTPA) said in a statement.
The vaccination roll-out program in Mauritius was plan to start well ahead of the borders opening later this year. Hotel employees, Air Mauritius, airport staff, and other front-line tourism workers will all receive the vaccination as a priority.
“The Government has confirmed that a 14-day quarantine period will remain in place whilst the initial batch of vaccines are administrated to give public health experts and scientists an opportunity to analyze the rollout,” the MTPA said in a statement.
Officials have not disclosed a more specific time frame to reopen tourism but indicated that proof of vaccination will be important as an entry requirement. All international visitors require to present valid Covid-19 vaccination certificate
“2020 has been a difficult year for everyone within the tourism sector and we are working closely with operators, airlines, hotels, and other stakeholders at home and internationally to ensure that we can reopen safely and securely in 2021.
MTPA Chairman Nilen Vencadasmy
Before the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, Mauritius welcomed about 1.4 million visitors annually, including roughly 140,000 Brits.
Once borders open in Mauritius, Brits planning to visit the island will need to provide a Covid-19 vaccination certificate to enter the country.
