COVID-19 in Mauritius: Discourse Analysis of the Public Health Response Against the Pandemic.

Abstract

Objectives: This study on COVID-19 in Mauritius had the following objectives: (1) To look into the public health response of the country facing the COVID-19 outbreak, and (2) To examine the effectiveness of the measures being undertaken to contain the outbreak. Study design: Qualitative Methods: The research method used was document/discourse analysis of all documents/discourses pertaining to the public health response of Mauritius towards COVID-19. To construct the public health reality in the social Mauritian context, we used for gathering data a package of documents which included government communiques, policy statements, press conferences, newspaper articles and video news broadcasts pertaining to the COVID-19 outbreak in Mauritius. We compiled data over the period of 17 January 2020 to 5 May 2020 as and when they were communicated. Results: This study revealed three main themes: (1) Prevention strategy, with the sub-themes, Screening of passengers, Restriction of borders, Closure of schools, Confinement of the population; (2) Outbreak management strategy, with the sub-themes, Isolation and treatment of COVID-19 cases, Contact tracing and quarantine of suspected COVID-19 cases and Procurement of personal protective equipment and (3) Communication strategy, with the sub-themes, Community engagement, prevention of fake news, outbreak control. Conclusions: In light of the qualitative findings and numerical data on the evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak in Mauritius, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the public health strategies undertaken by the Mauritian government. Funding: Not applicable.