Pacific / French Polynesia

Another case of coronavirus in French Polynesia, total now 18

12:24 pm on 23 March 2020

Another person in French Polynesia has been diagnosed with Covid-19, bringing the total number of cases to 18.

The updated figure has been released by the public broadcaster without giving further details.

Yesterday, another two people were added to the tally.

The first case was diagnosed when local politician, Maina Sage, tested positive after returning from Paris.

Restrictions on the movement of people are in force, and domestic air services will stop tonight.

No-essential businesses have been ordered to close, which triggered a run on some supermarkets in Tahiti.

The main public hospital has decided to limit access and to focus on emergencies.

French Polynesia president Edouard Fritch confirming the Pacific region's first case of Covid-19 at a news conference in Tahiti on Thursday. Photo: Supplied / President of French Polynesia