Mauritius is extending the lockdown for another month starting Thursday, and police will enforce a new Temporary Restrictions of Movement Order.
Failure to wear a mask can now result in a fine of up to Mauritian rupees 500,000 ($12,400) and also a jail term. Previously, the fine was 50,000 rupees.
Police say 2,674 people have been fined for not wearing face masks and another 7,127 fined for breaching the restriction of movement order.
No public gatherings will be allowed and markets and fairs will remain closed.
People aged 18 and under will not be allowed to leave their homes except for examinations or medical emergencies.
Walking and going out for physical exercise is still prohibited.
Some economic activities will resume under strict conditions.
Supermarkets, grocery shops and other food sectors will continue to operate. And other shops, hardware stores and hairdressers that had been closed will be able to reopen gradually.
Only pharmacies and petrol stations will be allowed to open on Sundays.
Civil marriages are permitted with a maximum of 10 guests.
Mauritius has so far recorded 12 deaths as a result of coronavirus, two of those having been announced on Wednesday.
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