By Asmau Ahmad
Mauritius will set up a special fund to mobilise and manage the funds required for implementing the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, the Government announced.
The decision followed the weekly meeting of the Cabinet in Port-Louis.
In a communiqué, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has prepared a COVID-19 Vaccination Preparation Plan in line with WHO Guidance that looks into various issues and implications.
“They are; Regulatory, Preparedness, Planning and Coordination; Costing and Funding; Target Population; Delivery Strategies; Supply Chain and Healthcare Waste Management.
“Others are Human Resource Management and training; Vaccines Acceptance and Uptake; Safety Monitoring; Immunisation and Monitoring Systems; COVID-19 surveillance and Evaluation of COVID-19 Vaccine introduction,” communiqué stated.
It was also announced that the Government of Japan has provided a grant of 300 million Yen in August 2020 for the purchase of highly sophisticated medical equipment as a COVID-19 emergency response measure.
There is also the assistance through the UNDP for a survey on inclusive and multi-sectoral response to COVID-19.
Furthermore, the Government has also decided to extend the quarantine period in Mauritius from January 15, 2021 to 15 February 15, 2021 and of also to extend the prohibition of entry of aircraft and ships in Mauritius until February 15, 2021, except for those aircraft and ships as may be approved by the Prime Minister.
Regarding the pandemic, it said the last local case had been recorded on November 26, 2020 in a quarantine centre.
Currently, there are 24 active cases of COVID-19 in the island.
As at 18 December 2020, 524 cases of COVID-19 had been registered in Mauritius.
