The authorities in New Caledonia have extended the restrictions on gatherings and movement until 13 April.
They were originally imposed for two weeks but the government and the French High Commission have decided to keep them in place.
Flags outside the French High Commission in New Caledonia. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Walter Zweifel
They say, however, this latest move may be revisited.
This comes as police have detained the first repeat offender breaching the restrictions, which require anyone in public to have a written attestation justifying their movement.
They said he was picked up drunk in the Noumea .
A breach is fined with $US800 and a second offence incurs a $US1600 fine
Southern Province President's associate infected with Covid-19
The president of New Caledonia's Southern Province Sonia Backes said one of her close work associates tested positive to the Covid-19 virus and was in hospital.
Sonia Backes Photo: Facebook
Ms Backes said she had also been tested and the result was negative.
She said she would be tested again two weeks after the date of her last meeting with the staffer concerned.
Ms Backes said there was no immediate concern for the well-being of her hospitalised colleague.
She said she would keep working remotely and use teleconferences to manage the crisis.
Meanwhile the Congress approved $US20,000 in emergency funding for the Red Cross and a Catholic aid agency for them to help them give the destitute baskets of food and hygiene products.