The picturesque island nation of Mauritius will soon be open to tourists around the world – the country has just announced a nationwide Covid-19 vaccination campaign.
The vaccination campaign is aimed at achieving herd immunity in around 60% of its population, although an exact date on when the vaccines will be rolled out has not been provided. Until then, strict quarantine requirements will be maintained for all visitors entering the country.
Once the campaign is underway, it is possible that vaccinated tourists will be granted free access to the country, while non-vaccinated visitors will be required to undergo the standard 14-day quarantine period, according to a statement by Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.
‘As vaccinations will be voluntary in Mauritius, authorities are taking steps to provide the population with sufficient information to enable them to make an informed decision,’ explained the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.
Mauritius Prime Minister, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, made a request for vaccines to be delivered to the country in November 2020, and the request has since been approved by Astra Zeneca Oxford and Pfizer, with an initial consignment expected through the COVAX facility. The country has also purchased specialised equipment to help health care workers detect new Covid-19 variants.
‘The COVID-19 vaccination campaign will help in the reopening of the border and in boosting the economy as life will slowly return to its normalcy,’ said Jugnauth in a statement.
MAURITIUS LAUNCHES ITS COVID-19 VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
12 January 2021
Mauritius is launching a nationwide Covid-19 vaccination campaign, which aims at achieving herd immunity for its population. pic.twitter.com/FpD1ngtXUH
— Mauritius Tourism South Africa (@mauritiusza) January 12, 2021
Mauritius is partially open to tourists through its ‘Premium Visa’, which allows visitors entry for a renewable period of one year. This Premium Visa is available to visitors who wish to work remotely, retirees or long-stay tourists.
Picture: Twitter/@IsuriWijerathne
