Durex Strawberry, a new taste to try

Arouse your senses with the Durex Strawberry condoms. The taste and aroma of these condoms will add fun and taste to your sex life.

2021 is nearly over. How has Unicorn performed during this year?

Taking into consideration the context regarding the pandemic, Unicorn had a reasonable year with a proper growth of the business. Various factors have contributed to this. Firstly, we have the commitment and support of our staff despite the Covid situation in Mauritius. Secondly, the percentage of employees vaccinated against Covid-19 is of 95%. As we are in the healthcare industry, we have carried a great awareness campaign on the importance of the vaccination against the Covid. However, we have not imposed on any of our staff to get vaccinated. We wanted them to decide freely. This has lowered the impact on the absenteeism and on the productivity. Thirdly, we made our best to maintain our delivery services of medicines. When we lacked staff in the store, employees from other departments have also helped to prepare the orders.

Finally, Unicorn distributes a wide and diversified range of products such as medicines for acute and chronic diseases, vitamins and immune system boosters, antigenic tests, etc. The sales for these products have not decreased during the lockdown.
Besides, during this past year, Unicorn has also launched brands such as Mentholatum Deep Heat / Deep Freeze, Sweet N Low. We have also focused on our digital strategy to reach our customers.

What are the key lessons from this year?

One of the lessons is to reinvent yourself so as to adapt to the new normality. This includes rethinking your strategy, your products and services. Moreover, it is in challenging times that we can know if we can really rely on our staff. At Unicorn, we always knew that our staff would stand by us and provide us with the necessary support. We have seen that during both lockdowns. We learned how to tackle the supply chain issues as we had delays in the arrival of our orders. We had to be very organized to ensure that we had enough stock for our clients.

Our digital strategy has also helped us a lot, we found new ways to reach and work with our clients and partners.

Are you looking forward to 2022 & what can we expect in 2022 from Unicorn?

We are looking forward to 2022 as I think that the worst is behind us. With the opening of the borders, many people will be getting back to work. The economic conditions will improve and impact positively on the business environment.
Moreover, we have reached a vaccination rate of about 75% of the population being fully vaccinated. People will be in better health and this will promote a feeling of well-being.

In 2022, Unicorn will launch some exciting new products in the field of cardiology, dentistry, neurology and consolidate its presence in the wellness field. We are looking forward in expanding our portfolio of products. Our ambition is to position ourselves as a one stop healthcare provider. We are planning other changes such as migrating our ERP system and we are also working on enhancing our talent management system at Unicorn and build up the wellness strategy for our staff.

“Providing primary healthcare is one of the best satisfaction you can get”

Tell us about your journey as a pharmacy dispenser?
I am Shakeel Abdool and I have been a pharmacy dispenser at Pharmacy Atchia for the past 34 years. At the very start of my career, I had the opportunity to work under the supervision of Mr. Vawda, who also worked at Pharmacy Atchia. I believe where I am working is the best learning center. I’ve had the opportunity to learn a lot from my other colleagues. So far, it has been a fruitful journey.

What is your role?
My role as a pharmacist is very precise;

• To dispense prescriptions
• To receive, order and store medicines that come at the pharmacy on a daily basis.
• To computerize all medicines received on the software
• Diabetic testing for patients
• Monitoring patients’ blood pressure
• To check expiry dates of medicines
  I must add that all of the above is done under the supervision of a pharmacist.

What do you like most about your job?

The most amazing part of this job is that pharmacy is a field that involves a continuous learning process. Every day new medicines are developed, produced and marketed. Moreover, to be able to help people in society especially during the Covid pandemic as providing primary health care is one of the best satisfaction you can get.

What has this job taught you on a personal level?

I have learnt that the client is king, you need to have the maximum level of patience. Whether you are having a bad day or not, the moment you are over the counter, you need to be at your best. You always have to show the positive side to the patient.

What are your plans for the future?

To be quite honest, I don’t have much plan for the future at this age. After 34 years of service at Pharmacy Atchia, I have been able to achieve a lot and lead a respectful and happy life. With Covid looming dangerously around, you have to live the present moment as it is and not think much about the future. Whatever is going to happen, will definitely happen.

The new range of Freeman sheet masks offers an innovative beauty care for the body. All the products are free of harsh chemicals and are not tested on animals. Moreover, all the sheet masks are suitable for all skin types. This range of products offers treatments for the neck, the cuticles, the belly, the bust, the feet and the butt.

Lovely Neck Firming + Smoothing Sheet Mask

Sublime your neck and chest with this mask sheet that will leave your skin firmer and smoother. Its formula is enriched with grape seed and peach extract that combines together to tone, hydrate and tighten the skin for a lovely neckline.

The new Quarantine Act and guidelines from the Ministry of Health / Business Mauritius tackles the enhancement of preventive and sanitary measures. The second feature relates to the welfare of our staff, especially those doing the deliveries as they will be continuously in contact with other people. The protocol is easy and very detailed in terms of preventive measures. The self-isolation protocol is also well defined and points to actions that should be taken if an employee is tested positive or is a contact case. It is well-structured and complete that tackles all the aspect to be taken into consideration during this pandemic.

The vaccination campaign is also well planned and organized around the island. A third booster dose is also available for the staff and the government is communicating continuously on the schedule at the vaccination centers. The guidelines are also well-defined about the restriction of access. This includes the procedures to be applied when we have visitors at the office coming for business meetings and collection of orders.
Lastly, the sale of Rapid antigenic tests is also well regulated as it is validated through an approval system before import.

Sadeck Vawda, General Manager

Looking for the perfect Christmas Gift? Pamper your friends and family with the delicate fragrance of Baylis and Harding.

Established in 1970, Baylis and Harding is a British and family owned brand and specializes in luxury hand washes. These products are paraben free and developed with the finest ingredients that meet global standards set by the International Fragrance Research Association (IFRA). The beautiful packagings are designed to provide a luxury experience at an affordable price.

The range of products include hand care, body washes and lotions. Baylis and Harding also include products for men and children.

Various collections are available for all tastes and preferences. The Goodness collection of hand and body washes has been designed for nature lovers and contains 98% of naturally derived ingredients. The packaging is also 100% recyclable.

The Royal Garden Collection has been inspired from the England Country Side and captures floral decadent fragrances such as Rose, Poppy and Vanilla, Jasmine and Peach among others.

The Fuzzy Duck Cocktails offers sparkling scents inspirited from classic cocktails like Pink Gin Fizz, Gin & Tonic and Ginger & Lime.

The Signature Collection remains the most iconic collection of Baylis and Harding. This hand wash selection contains delicate fragrances such as Jasmine & Apple Blossom, English Lavender & Chamomile and the Bottle of Hope is perfumed with a Rainbow Fruit cocktail.

Durex Strawberry, a new taste to try

Despite the arrival of the vaccines against the Covid-19, the pandemic is still present and we must learn how to live with it. Traveling during a pandemic requires a more detailed and cautious approach than before, but it can be done while minimizing risks to you. Preventive measures should be taken, particularly while traveling. Delay travel until you are fully vaccinated.

Before Traveling

It is important to consider the following points before traveling:

Planning

As you plan your trip, work out every possible risk scenario you could encounter. By taking a proactive approach, you can help keep yourself and those traveling with you safe.

Vaccination

The vaccines are efficient, reduces the risks of getting and spreading Covid-19. International health authorities recommend that you avoid travelling if you’re not fully vaccinated. Most vaccines require two doses, it is better to wait two weeks after the second dose before traveling. It your vaccine requires only one dose, two weeks waiting time are also necessary. It takes a certain time for the body to build immunity after a vaccine.

Higher risks

People who are at higher risks include old age people and those having some medical conditions (diabetes, cancer patients, cardiac diseases, chronic diseases). If you are more vulnerable or living with someone being at higher risks, ask your doctor for more precautionary advice.

Restrictions for travelers

Even if you are fully vaccinated, some countries still have some restrictions. Check the restrictions and requirements needed.

The essentials:

Bring hand sanitizers, a set of masks, disinfectant wipes, tissues, paracetamol, rapid antigenic tests.

When you travel:

• Keep a social distancing of two meters from other people, especially in common areas.
• Wear your mask at all time. If you are using a surgical mask, it needs to be changed every four hours.
• Masks also need to be changed if it was temporarily removed; e.g: after a meal.
• Consider wearing a face shield during the trip to be more comfortable.
• Regularly sanitize or wash your hands, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, before and after coughing.
• Limit to the minimum any contact with air hostesses and employees at the airport.
• Avoid touching common surfaces such as handrails, elevator buttons, etc…
• Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth.
• Avoid eating or drinking in public areas, so you don’t have to remove your mask.
• Keep your mask in the common areas of the hotels and other public transport.

After Travel
Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

Mentholatum provides a varied range of products including patches that are very easy to use. The Deep Heat Pain Relief Heat Patch offers a long lasting and targeted relief. The heat penetrates through the stiff, sore muscles and joints. The heat then increases the blood level in the damaged area and provides oxygen and nutrients to ease the healing. This patch heats up in less than 5 minutes and provides relief to up to 8 hours.

The Deep Freeze Cold Patch is suitable for a targeted relief for the back, neck, shoulder, leg and feet. It decreases the blood level in the affected area and thus, providing a soothing and cooling relief for up to 3 hours. The Deep Freeze Cold Patch is suitable for pregnant women.

What types of Covid-19 tests are available and what are their key features? 

Basically, two types of diagnostic tests are available to detect the Covid (Sars –Cov -2) virus and they work differently, namely the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests and Lateral Flow Antigen tests (Rapid Tests).

PCR tests detect the genetic material (RNA) of the virus whereas the Rapid tests detect the presence of a particular protein (antigen) found in the virus.

Both tests require a swab from the back of the nose or throat as a sample. A similar test exists for use with saliva.

In the case of the PCR test, the sample is sent to a laboratory where the process takes hours and requires sophisticated equipment and technicians. The PCR test is almost 100% accurate in spotting infected people.

In contrast, the Rapid Antigen test works by mixing the sample with a solution that unleashes the specific viral protein. The combination is applied to a strip impregnated with an antibody optimized to bind the specific viral protein. If the latter is present, the result is reflected as a band in the strip. The process can be done in about 30 mins. The only drawback of this test is that it has less sensit0ivity and will detect the antigen only if the viral load is high. For example, a recently infected person may not be detected by using this test.

Rapid antigen tests are relatively cheap and may be the most useful to identify outbreaks, or to select people with symptoms for further testing with PCR, allowing self‐isolation or contact tracing, and reducing the burden on laboratory services.

The results we get from the Rapid Antigen tests depend on the person who administers the test and who must strictly follow the guidelines.

 How should we choose Covid-19 tests?

For a quick result, for example after an outbreak in a company, a Rapid Antigen Test will be more appropriate.

In case of a positive result, self-isolation should be immediately implemented and the established protocol followed. For a vulnerable person, a PCR test may be warranted.

In case of a negative result, the test may be repeated in a few days to allow for any potential viral load to build up in the body but while applying barrier methods of protection.

When should we use the tests?

With the current situation of increasing Covid infections in the country and the attitude of the general public regarding the basic protection measures, it is important to regularly do a Rapid Antigen Test if someone has been in contact with infected persons.

Dans le cadre de la Fête des mères, Unicorn a célébré toutes ses mamans courageuses qui assurent sur plusieurs fronts.

Bonne fête à toutes les mamans !

Photo 1 (de gauche à droite) : Naziah Ghoorun Kaussur, Kathleen Ah Ching Nyook Pen, Pamela Boribon, Christina Goder, Varuna Ramloll, Vyma Mootoocarpen, Karine Lubois, Michel-Bucchoo Marie Karen.