The idyllic island nation is taking strict measures to protect itself from Covid-19. Courtesy Constance Hotels and Resorts
The idyllic island nation is taking strict measures to protect itself from Covid-19. Courtesy Constance Hotels and Resorts
The idyllic island nation is taking strict measures to protect itself from Covid-19. Courtesy Constance Hotels and Resorts
The idyllic island nation is taking strict measures to protect itself from Covid-19. Courtesy Constance Hotels and Resorts

The Seychelles bans cruise ships until the end of 2021


Selina Denman
  • English
  • Arabic

The Seychelles has announced an 18-month ban on cruise ships, effective immediately.

As part of efforts to prevent a second wave of coronavirus infections, the country will close its Port Victoria to cruise liners until the end of 2021, says Didier Dogley, Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine.

The move has been met with acceptance from tourism stakeholders, even if it is understood that it will affect the country’s already struggling tourism industry.

The cruise industry has been a major catalyst by which the Covid-19 has spread throughout the world

“The Seychelles Ports Authority appreciates the fact that the government has made a prudent decision to mitigate the impact that Covid-19 may have in the medium term. It is to be noted that the cruise industry has been a major catalyst by which the Covid-19 has spread throughout the world,” Ronny Brutus, chief executive of the authority told the Seychelles News Agency.

“It is important to recognise the fact that the risk factor of a resurgence of the Covid-19 in Seychelles far outweighs the opportunity cost of not having cruise port calls for the next two years.”

At the same time, Dogley outlined a series of measures to support the tourism industry, including salary guarantees until June, favourable loan agreements and tax holidays for those in the industry.

While the country will reopen its airport on June 1, strict controls will remain in place. Courtesy Airbus
While the country will reopen its airport on June 1, strict controls will remain in place. Courtesy Airbus

The island nation has announced plans to reopen its airport to commercial flights on Monday, June 1, but stressed that strict control measures and travel advisories would be put in place.

According to the Seychelles News Agency, the country’s public health commissioner, Jude Gedeon, has said that the country would gradually lift restrictions and does not expect tourism to rebound immediately.

"We are thinking that with the current situation, we will not see tourism relaunched in a fast manner in June. We are looking at maybe July or August.

"This is why the opening of commercial operations of the airport does not necessarily mean there will be a lot of movement of people. Control measures that were put in place will be reinforced," he said.

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Scores

Day 2

New Zealand 153 & 56-1
Pakistan 227

New Zealand trail by 18 runs with nine wickets remaining

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Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush

Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”

A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.

“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”

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Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma

When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
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Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

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Girls full-contact rugby may be in its infancy in the Middle East, but there are already a number of role models for players to look up to.

Sophie Shams (Dubai Exiles mini, England sevens international)

An Emirati student who is blazing a trail in rugby. She first learnt the game at Dubai Exiles and captained her JESS Primary school team. After going to study geophysics at university in the UK, she scored a sensational try in a cup final at Twickenham. She has played for England sevens, and is now contracted to top Premiership club Saracens.

----

Seren Gough-Walters (Sharjah Wanderers mini, Wales rugby league international)

Few players anywhere will have taken a more circuitous route to playing rugby on Sky Sports. Gough-Walters was born in Al Wasl Hospital in Dubai, raised in Sharjah, did not take up rugby seriously till she was 15, has a master’s in global governance and ethics, and once worked as an immigration officer at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi. In the summer of 2021 she played for Wales against England in rugby league, in a match that was broadcast live on TV.

----

Erin King (Dubai Hurricanes mini, Ireland sevens international)

Aged five, Australia-born King went to Dubai Hurricanes training at The Sevens with her brothers. She immediately struck up a deep affection for rugby. She returned to the city at the end of last year to play at the Dubai Rugby Sevens in the colours of Ireland in the Women’s World Series tournament on Pitch 1.

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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

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pakistan Test squad

Azhar Ali (capt), Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Yasir Shah, Usman Shinwari

Wenger's Arsenal reign in numbers

1,228 - games at the helm, ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture against West Ham United.
704 - wins to date as Arsenal manager.
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