The World Health Organisation (WHO) had estimated that Mauritius had the highest risk of exposure in Africa and would have the second highest rate of infections.

Increases in new cases in Africa have been relatively slow and death rates much lower than in other parts of the world.

In explaining why, some point out that many African countries have the advantage of low population densities and young populations.

A big part of the answer is that - like in many countries in Africa and unlike many in the Global North - the government in Port Louis heeded early warnings and acted promptly.

Among other things, the bill removes the night shift extra payment allowance, reduces annual leave from 21 to 7 days, makes overtime pay optional, and allows the police to arrest people without a warrant in cases of "reasonable doubt".