The borders of the island of Nosy in the northwestern part of the country are closed from this Tuesday and for at least 15 days.
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A decision by the Malagasy authorities to restrict the spread of covid. Madagascar is currently undergoing another wave of coronavirus contamination, registering 22,616 cases including 355 deaths. International and national flights as well as the circulation of private vehicles and public sea transport to the island are suspended. A new blow for this island, whose economy depends entirely on tourism.
While authorities had decided to reopen the boundaries of this paradise island six months ago to allow residents to get their heads out of the water, this flashback surprises many tour operators, such as Miora Rafaly, deputy director of the Home The Residence hotel.
“We did not expect it at all. From the moment tourism stops working here, everyone is in a state of survival. Hotels live off fishermen, fruit and vegetable traders, taxis, etc. It is very difficult. The decision to close the island internationally, we think it is normal, because there is this new variant of South Africa now, but also to close the interior, that is, we are completely closed to the rest of the country, we find it still a bit extreme. ”
Since the pandemic started, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and guides have reduced their offer to attract a national clientele beyond the few foreign tourists. A strategy undermined by this decision to also close the island to Malagasy from other regions. The latter are forced to cancel their Easter holiday reservations. For Jacquot, travel guide and driver, these limitations dampen hopes of improvement
“There is a bit of panic on the island. We already barely survived with the few tourists who came from abroad, but also national tourists. During the Easter holidays, there are many tourists in Nosy Be, which increases the local economy. But not only the airport but also the port closed. We who are in tourism are worried about this year. We would like to be able to be vaccinated like this, at least it reassures future tourists. I started cultivating the land. I also bought a canoe to fish because you have to try to survive. ”
Special flights and bus taxis are planned this week for people wishing to leave the island, the tourism ministry said.
The city of Majunga in the northwestern part of the country has also been isolated from the rest of the country. Internal air connections and passenger transport to this place are suspended for 15 days.
