Inflation, safety and respiratory infections鈥� 禁漫天堂 brings you the news of this week.
Health: Acute respiratory infections cause concern
The situation regarding acute respiratory infections remains critical in Mauritius, with more than 121,000 consultations reported since the beginning of 2024. This sharp increase in cases has put considerable strain on healthcare facilities, particularly public hospitals and health centers, which are facing a surge in patient numbers. Children under five and the elderly are the most affected by this wave of infections, making the management of this health crisis even more challenging. The Ministry of Health has ramped up its public awareness campaigns, focusing on flu vaccination and reminding the population of the importance of preventive measures to curb the spread of these viruses鈥�.
Tourism: Most tourists are happy with safety on the island
A recent survey revealed that about 85% of tourists visiting Mauritius are satisfied with the level of security on the island. This high satisfaction rate is a positive indicator for the tourism sector, which is a crucial pillar of the Mauritian economy. Safety is often cited as a key factor in choosing a vacation destination, and this result enhances Mauritius's attractiveness on the international stage. The government's efforts to maintain a safe environment, particularly through increased police presence in tourist areas, have been well received by visitors.
Consumption: Scarcity and rising prices of vegetables
Residents are facing a shortage of certain vegetables, including cabbages, carrots, and leafy greens, with prices increasing by 20 to 30% on average in recent weeks. This situation is mainly due to unfavorable weather conditions, such as excessive rainfall, which has disrupted local agricultural production. As a result, the price of cabbage, for example, has risen to Rs 80 per kilo, compared to Rs 50 previously. This increase in the cost of basic food items is putting additional pressure on households already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Survey: Concerns over rising inflation
A recent survey of accountants in Mauritius reveals growing concern about a potential rise in inflation. Approximately 70% of respondents believe that inflationary pressures could intensify in the coming months due to the depreciation of the Mauritian rupee and rising import costs. Inflation, which had shown signs of stabilizing, could start to increase again, jeopardizing the purchasing power of Mauritians and further complicating household budget management.
Foreign exchange market: BoM interventions seen as insufficient
Despite recent interventions by the Bank of Mauritius (BoM) to stabilize the foreign exchange market, experts consider these measures insufficient to counter global market forces. The BoM has injected millions of dollars to support the rupee, but these actions are seen as "a drop in the ocean" compared to the global economic challenges the country faces. The continued depreciation of the rupee against major international currencies remains a significant concern for importers and local businesses鈥�.
SMS scam warning: Mauritius Post alerts the public
Mauritius Post has issued a public warning about a circulating SMS scam. The fraudulent messages, which claim to be from the company, ask recipients to provide personal or banking information under the pretext of retrieving a parcel or verifying delivery details. Mauritius Post reminds the public not to respond to these messages and to report any attempted fraud. This warning underscores the importance of vigilance in the face of rising cyber threats in the country.
