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Covid-19: Mauritius imposes new curbs as cases jump

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Fake versions of anti-Covid "green passes" have begun to circulate in Italy just days after they were introduced, police said on Monday, adding they had broken up a network selling false evidence of vaccination, recovery or testing.
Fake versions of anti-Covid "green passes" have begun to circulate in Italy just days after they were introduced, police said on Monday, adding they had broken up a network selling false evidence of vaccination, recovery or testing.
Paul Biris

The Indian Ocean island paradise of Mauritius imposed a raft of new Covid-19 curbs on Friday as it confronted an upsurge in cases despite a high vaccination rate.

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth announced the restrictions in a televised address to the nation on Thursday, blaming people who were not abiding by health protocols for the increase in infections.

"The state alone will not be able to contain the spread of Covid-19," he said.

Mauritius had fully opened its doors to international visitors at the start of October, hoping to rebuild its vital tourism industry after long months of isolation because of the pandemic.

But according to latest figures reported to the World Health Organisation as of Friday, Mauritius has 18 979 cases and 240 deaths compared with 15 695 infections and 84 deaths as of 1 October.

Many of the new cases are linked to the Delta variant, according to the health ministry.

Schools in Mauritius were closed earlier this week, with all classes to be held online, while bars and discos have been ordered to shut and concerts and sporting competitions banned.

The government is also limiting numbers of people attending gatherings such as weddings, funerals and rallies, but said beaches would be open - although picnics are prohibited.

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