Reopening tourist season in danger after Covid explosion

Mauritius' Covid cemetery is filled and ventilators are few.

Three weeks before peak tourist season, the paradise island nation is facing a spike in coronavirus illnesses and deaths.

In just two months, cases have risen five-fold to nearly 12,600, the largest increase in Africa. Mauritius had 1,005 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 persons, compared to 598 for the continent.

Navin Ramgoolam, 74, travelled to India for Covid therapy, and the opposition leader tried to find a bed for an old friend. "People don't realize how bad it is," a Covid treatment center nurse said. Full"

The Indian Ocean vacation attraction reopened in July to vaccinated visitors.

They might leave "resort bubbles" after 14 days if their PCR test was negative.

This month, the government reopened for seven days before reopening completely on October 1. Tourists who test negative 72 hours before arrival can visit the island.

A doctor said, "The problem is escalating," and medical staff was advised not to discuss it.

"Oct. 1 border opening is the government's goal."

Local media suggest people ignore social distance guidelines after getting immunized.

In certain areas, authorities ordered Covid shots or fines and jail terms.

Saturday's immunization rate was 61%.

Gloomy pandemic prognosis.

Bernard said the coronavirus section at Bigara Cemetery on the main island was full.

Locals are outraged that Covid-19 victims are buried nearby.

L'Express said teens threw stones at burying workers at Bois-Marchand cemetery last week.

Friday's pandemic death toll rose from 34 to 89.

Most of the 89 deaths were due to comorbidities, not Covid-19.

Before the pandemic, tourism generated 25% of the GDP.

Taxi driver Paul Pierre "shudders" at the thought of tourists.

Hotel receptionist Diana Mootoosamy: "We have no safety net."

Will tourists bring foreign currency or Covid-19 variants?

Others say the 15%-shrinking economy needs it.

My restaurant closed March 2020. If tourists don't return, John Beeharry will hide the key.

Healthcare is stressed.

Xavier Duval's hunt for a ventilator-equipped hospital bed was "traumatic."

Duval tried private clinics and the main hospital before a 48-hour admission.

"The system is overloaded," he remarked.

"I'm worried we'll have to choose who gets air and who dies in Mauritius."