Mauritius Prime minister Pravind Jugnauth announced an extension of the curfew up to 1 June as the country continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among previous measures the government had put in place, the PM announced more social measures to help people in need and also measures that will prevent loss of jobs and support those in the informal sector.

According to the PM, more activities will be allowed from May 15, however, strict measures will be taken.

Beaches, horseraces, markets, shopping malls among other social places will remain closed while restaurants are to operate on take-away orders.

Schools will remain closed up to August 1 and will open in a phased process, according to the Prime minister.

He explained that businesses that need to operate will be required to apply for work access permits done digitally and be verified online by the police.

The PM added that all public means of transport are required to observe social distancing measures and all buses to be disinfected regularly while obeying instructions put in place by the Ministry of transport.

Banks and other commerce will be called to operate in alphabetical order as the elderly receive their pensions at home or at special counters in the banks, said Jugnauth adding that the elderly can use public transport during off peak hours.

PM said that all independent doctors  and health workers can continue to provide services as he called upon people to work from home excluding fishermen and tea planters who are allowed to operate as long as they take all precautions required.

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country stand at 332 with 310 recoveries and 10 deaths.