Mauritius, which offers visitors free renewable long-term visas, is adding another perk for those wanting to settle into paradise for a while: free COVID-19 vaccinations.
The program is part of an effort to fully reopen the country s borders. Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of Africa, is one of the world s smallest countries by size. It boasts nearly 100 miles of white, sandy beaches, one of the world s largest coral reefs, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, and warm water.
Like many idyllic beach destinations around the world, Mauritius relies heavily on tourism to keep its economy afloat. And like many countries, Mauritius is also courting digital nomads and retirees. The Mauritius Premium Visa allows international visitors to spend up to 12 months in the country and is renewable something the government hopes will entice visitors to stick around.
Nash County Public School officials announced Thursday that all students will return to hybrid-learning on March 22.
Students were slated to return on January 25, however, the decision was made in response to the rising COVID-19 cases in the area.
In the meantime, students will continue second-semester instruction in remote-learning.
4:30 p.m.
The Wake County Health Department has confirmed its first COVID-19 outbreak at Phoenix Assisted Care located at 201 W. High St.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services defines an outbreak as two or more people - residents or employees - testing positive for the virus.
4:14 p.m.
The Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH) announced that 12 Guardsmen from the North Carolina National Guard will support vaccination efforts in Durham County. These guardsmen arrived at DCoDPH beginning Wednesday and will continue to support daily efforts moving forward.
A weekly 3,900 doses of the COVID-19 vaccination are headed to Wake County as part of the supply allocated to the state. Around 80,000 in the county have signed up for vaccination.
As the U.S. enters "what may well be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus," President Joe Biden is putting forth a national COVID-19 strategy to ramp up vaccinations and testing, reopen schools and businesses and increase the use of masks.