As the deadly coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the globe, the world's most vaccinated country is once again facing the brunt. Seychelles set an example for everyone when it began to offer free vaccinations early this year with President Wavel Ramkalawan announcing the plan to reach herd immunity within weeks.
With more than 60 percent of its population fully vaccinated, the country left vaccine giants such as Israel and Britain behind, and has almost twice the United States’ rate of vaccination. Despite the best efforts to inoculate its people, the island nation in the Indian Ocean reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases per capita the last week.
Seychelles announces new restrictions
With a population of less than 100,000 people, Seychelles has reported nearly 7,000 Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. With the alarming rise in infections recently, the country has announced new measures, including shutting down schools and cancelling sporting activities. Seychelles’ Health Minister Peggy Vidot told a press conference that the COVID-19 situation in the country is critical despite all the “exceptional efforts”.
The mandate also bans weddings and other gatherings of more than four people; cancels in-person meetings, conferences and sporting events; and require shops, bars and casinos to close at 7 p.m.
Of the people with active cases, more than one-third are fully vaccinated. 59% of recipients reportedly had been administered Sinopharm's jabs, which is a Chinese vaccine brand. It remains unclear which vaccine the people with infection were inoculated with.
Restrictions for travellers
Seychelles' economy largely depends on tourism and the island nation started an accelerated vaccination drive in January with hope to get to back to normal soon. In March, the country opened borders to international travellers even as other countries continued to keep borders closed.
Currently, anyone visiting the country must provide proof of a negative PCR test result received no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. While it is not mandatory for the visitors to be vaccinated, a health authorisation form has to be filled up along with proof of travel insurance. There is no minimum stay or quarantine requirements and travellers can stay in any certified hotel.
As the world battles deadly pandemic with India in the grip of second wave of coronavirus, we request our readers to stay home to stay safe. Avoid all unnecessary travel and follow all protocols.
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