The confinement period is now a reality and we have to cope with the situation, Mauritians and foreign nationals residing here alike. However, some incidents and emergency issues may occur and would require the intervention of essential services or other sectors, as well as repairs. Here are some information on how to proceed.
Essential services
Since the compulsory confinement period debuted on the 20th of March 2020 at 6 a.m., several questions are propping up on the good management of our daily lives. These questions have become even more numerous following the sanitary curfew imposed on the 23rd of March, and then the new procedures regarding the opening hours of supermarkets, shops and food outlets as from the 24th of March.
Here is a list of essential services:
- The public sector: Ministries and State departments
- Health services (hospitals, clinics, laboratories, pharmacies, and manufacturers and distributors of hygiene products and masks, etc.)
- Food supply and production (fruits, vegetables, farm animals) and that of beverages
- Supermarkets and suppliers (including home delivery and online services)
- Cargo services
- Telecommunication
- Filling stations and gas distributors
- Banks, insurances and other financial institutions
- The tourism industry
- Aviation, air companies and the sea port
- The press, media companies and associated services
- Transport industry, including taxis and security companies
These companies are compelled to limit the number of employees going to work. A Workplace Access Permit will be issued, only from the place of residence to the work place by the Commissioner of Police.
Some regulations are fixed while others will need official approval. All employers have to ensure that their employees going outdoors, to handle essential services, are safe.
For instance, the hotel industry will operate with solely the establishments which still host tourists. The construction sector must only secure and close its sites, while the banking sector and other companies will have to plan their employees’ salaries.
For any information regarding access to your workplace, contact the Business Monitoring Unit: [email protected] of the Finance Secretary’s office of the Ministry of Finace.
Repair services
Respecting confinement measures also means that you will not be able to ask a professional to come to your home, such as for an electricity cut or a water leak. In case of real emergency, call the CEB and CWA hotlines, or call the police or fire department to check the Access regulations.
Some tips to limit damage
In case of water leakage, try to find the source on the floor, the wall or under a piece of furniture. Examine the pipe connection of your dish or clothes washer, toilet and any other potential sources. If you cannot find the source, close the water connection to stop the leak and limit damage.
If a professional comes to your house don’t forget sanitary rules
If someone from the essential services (or any other sector) does come, respect the safety recommendations: don’t shake his hand and stay at a distance of 1 to 1.5 metres from him. Leave him some hand sanitizer and go in another room with your family. After his departure, disinfect everything that has been in contact with him and wash your hands!
For more information on barrier methods, click HERE
