All educational institutions in Seychelles closed on Tuesday for three weeks as the health authority re-introduced societal restrictions to curb an increase in COVID-19 transmissions.

While state and some private schools are currently on holiday, other private schools and post secondary institutions had been open and now must close. Daycare and childminding services will remain open for now.

The re-introduced restrictions include earlier closure of shops, bars and casinos, a ban on commemoration gatherings, shows, group sporting activities and conferences. Non-essential workers who can are also being encouraged to work from home. The 11 pm curfew will remain in force.

Public Health Commissioner Jude Gedeon announced the new measures in a press conference on Tuesday following a meeting of the COVID-19 Platinum Committee on Monday.

Since the last update from the Ministry of Health, 497 new COVID-19 cases were recorded over a period of three days. These are samples collected on April 29 and 30, and May 1. This brings the cumulative number of confirmed cases to 6,373. More than 5,000 people -- 5,277 -- have recovered from the virus and 28 deaths were recorded.

There are currently 1,068 active cases numbers, among which 84 percent are Seychellois and 16 percent are foreigners. Some 65 percent of the active cases are unvaccinated or have received only one dose, whilst the remaining have taken both doses.