Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Port Louis, Mauritius

March 31, 2020

Location:  Mauritius, Seychelles, and Reunion (France – Overseas Department)

Event:

The Mauritius Ministry of Health has confirmed 128 cases of COVID-19.

The government of Mauritius has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.

Effective March 20, 2020, a period of confinement for two weeks has been announced.  On March 30, the period of confinement was extended to April 15. Only essential services including police, medical, and fire rescue are permitted to operate. Schools and universities are closed until further notice.

Effective March 23, 2020, a curfew is in place from 20:00 to 08:00 local time until further notice.  No one is permitted to be in the streets during those hours except for emergency purposes.

Effective March 24, 2020, an increased shutdown is in effect. Supermarkets, corner shops, and bakeries will remain closed until Thursday, April 2, when operations may restart subject to additional regulations. Pharmacies and banks are operating with reduced hours and additional regulations. The Ministry of Commerce and the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry have established a website for the distribution of essential goods.

Visit the Mauritius Ministry of Health website for additional information.

If you are planning on departing Mauritius to return to the United States but have been unable to obtain space on a commercial flight, please contact PTLConsular@State.gov with your name, the names of your immediate family members who are also traveling, and all appropriate contact information.

The Seychelles Department of Health has confirmed 10 cases of COVID-19.

The government of Seychelles has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.

Effective March 25, 2020, any passenger arriving from any country (except returning Seychellois citizens) will not be allowed to enter Seychelles.

Effective March 30, 2020, the government of Seychelles announced the daily closure of all shops at 18:30 and the prohibition of gatherings of more than four people in public places.

Visit the Seychelles Department of Health website and Facebook for additional information.

If you are planning on departing Seychelles to return to the United States but have been unable to obtain space on a commercial flight, please contact ConAgencySeychelles@State.gov with your name, the names of your immediate family members who are also traveling, and all appropriate contact information.

The Reunion Regional Public Health Agency has confirmed 224 cases of COVID-19 in Reunion.

The Reunion Regional Public Health Agency has implemented measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.

Effective March 20, 2020, travelers arriving for pleasure, such as tourism and family visits, are not permitted entry to Reunion Island. All other passengers are screened by medical staff.

Effective March 30, 2020, travelers arriving in Reunion will be transported from the airport directly to quarantine centers. They will not be allowed to go to their homes or have in-person contact with external visitors for the following 14 days.

Visit the Reunion Regional Public Health Agency (French) for additional information.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.

Actions to Take:

  •          Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
  •          Reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
  •          Visit the COVID-19 page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
  •          Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
  •          Visit the Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Mauritius, Seychelles, and Reunion.
  •          Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website for the latest travel restrictions to the United States.

Assistance: