Health Minister severely condemns anti-patriotic behaviour

The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailash Jagutpal, denounced on 11 March 2020, during a press conference in Port Louis, the anti-patriotism of the people who spread false news on the Web. He added that fake news create a climate of fear and put pressure on health services.

Also present at the press briefing, Inspector Robin Bundhoo of the Cybercrime Unit of the Police Force, said that those found guilty in Mauritius of having disseminated false news on the Covid-19 risk a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 million for each false news broadcast.

Dr Jajutpal reassured the public that Government’s priority remains public safety and that it favours a healthy line of communication. He added that there is no case of Covid-19 in Mauritius and clarified that if a case is detected, Government has the obligation to inform the World Health Organization and the population.

The Health Minister gave the assurance that surveillance and control at the port and airport are strict and that stakeholders respect the protocol established in the Operational Plan. He also stated that the committee chaired by the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, is closely monitoring the situation.

Dengue

According to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, as at 11March 2020, five cases of dengue have been identified in the Port Louis region. The patients have been taken care of and all present a stable state of health.

The Ministry has already initiated a series of actions, namely fumigation and larcividing exercises, in places considered to be at risk.