Mauritius embarks on first phase of easing its lockdown protocol

The Minister of Tourism, Mr Georges Pierre
Lesjongard, made the above statement, this evening, during the daily press
briefing of the National Communication Committee on Covid-19, at the New Treasury
Building, in Port Louis.

The Minister reiterated the commitment and
responsibility of Government to act in the best interest of the
population.  He urged citizens to
demonstrate a sense of solidarity and unity, an essential factor for the
country’s recovery from the impacts of this pandemic.

The key objectives of the COVID-19
(Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill and the Quarantine Bill were underpinned by the
Minister. The new legislations, he emphasised, will address several issues that
arose during the curfew period.  These
include: the collect of rents for commercial buildings and properties, infected
people not reporting their health conditions, and those not abiding by the
curfew order.

The Minister observed that Mauritius has
successfully managed to control the propagation of the COVID-19 across its
territory.  This feat can be attributed
to the bold measures taken by Government and to the sense of responsibility and
discipline of the population in adhering to the national confinement protocol.

Government, he added, is thankful for the
contribution and sacrifice of all frontliners including the Police Force and
the healthcare personnel for their concerted effort and dedication in ensuring
the health safety of the population against the COVID-19. He called for
continued discipline from those who are about to resume work.

For her part, the Minister of Gender
Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Kalpana Koonjoo-Shah, spoke about the
International Day of Family celebrated on 15 May 2020.  This day, she highlighted, marks an opportune
time to celebrate the key role of the family as a social institution, also the theme
marking this year’s event.

The Minister underlined the key roles of
women who are both the backbone of key societal institutions such as the
family, as well as significant contributors to the socioeconomic progress of
the country. They upheld their roles as heads of family during the lockdown and
will be called upon to contribute to the post-COVID- 19 prevailing challenges,
she pointed out

Minister Koonjoo-Shah also deplored that
during the lockdown, women and children continued to be victims of violence.  In fact, 349 cases of domestic violence
against women and 463 cases of violence against children have been reported to
the Ministry, during the period of 20 March to 13 May 2020.  The Ministry in collaboration with the Police
Force intervened in all cases reported and the necessary support and protection
were offered to the victims.

Moreover, 37 children were tested to COVID-19
prior to being placed into shelters. My Ministry is working in collaboration
with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to have all shelter residents and
employees screened, she further stated.

Also present at the press briefing, the
Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Mr Louis Steven Obeegadoo, underscored
that the country has successfully stepped past the first phase of its battle
against Covid-19.  This has been achieved
by protecting the health of the population, and now, the country will undertake
a second crucial phase which is the economic recovery and maintaining employment
for all, he stated.

#ResOuLakaz     #BeSafeMoris

Government Information Service, Prime
Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius.
Email: gis@govmu.org  Website: http://gis.govmu.org  Mobile App: Search Gov​​​