This present day marks two important chapters in Mauritius' history, with the implementation of the first phase in easing the lockdown introduced on 20 March 2020 due to the spread of COVID-19, with some sectors resuming their business activities, and the introduction of the COVID-19 (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill and the Quarantine Bill into the National Assembly.

The Minister of Tourism, Mr Georges Pierre Lesjongard, made the above statement, this evening, during the daily press briefing of the National Communication Committee on Covid-19, at the New Treasury Building, in Port Louis.

The Minister underlined the key roles of women who are both the backbone of key societal institutions such as the family, as well as significant contributors to the socioeconomic progress of the country.

They upheld their roles as heads of family during the lockdown and will be called upon to contribute to the post-COVID- 19 prevailing challenges, she pointed out

Minister Koonjoo-Shah also deplored that during the lockdown, women and children continued to be victims of violence.

Also present at the press briefing, the Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Mr Louis Steven Obeegadoo, underscored that the country has successfully stepped past the first phase of its battle against Covid-19.