French Polynesia's administrative court has rejected a bid to suspend a local law making Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory.
The law, passed by the assembly in August, requires healthcare personnel, people working with the public and individuals deemed to be vulnerable to get a jab by October 23rd.
The court, however, dismissed the urgent appeal lodged by the group A Tamau i te hono and supported by 400 others, who wanted the law stopped.
Residents of the municipality of Hitiaa wait to be vaccinated at the Covid-19 vaccination center opened in a school, in Hitiaa, Tahiti. Photo: AFP or licensors
It ruled that while six challenges to the law are still pending in France's highest court, the law cannot be enacted and therefore there is no urgency to consider it in Papeete.
Covid vaccination campaign continues on French Polynesia's Tuamotu Archipelago Photo: French Polynesian government
It also ruled that as more than 87 people admitted to hospital with Covid-19 were not vaccinated, the law is in line with the objective of keeping the population safe.
Gaston Tong Sang Photo: Alchetron
The assembly president Gaston Tong Sang is opposed to the law and has rejected the option of getting vaccinated, saying he has immunity after his Covid-19 infection.