Pacific / French Polynesia

Wariness in French Polynesia over lack of quarantine

16:17 pm on 22 July 2020

Reports from French Polynesia say some guesthouses won't accept travellers from outside the territory amid concern over the possible spread of Covid-19.

Raivaevae Photo: wikicommons

The broadcaster La Premiere said six places in Raivavae in the Austral group would only accommodate locals.

The territory dropped quarantine requirements last week when flights resumed between Tahiti and Los Angeles where so far more than 160000 people have been infected with the virus.

Passengers bound for Tahiti must pass a Covid-19 test three days before departure and self-test on the fourth day after arrival.

They also must have insurance to cover medical costs in case of a coronavirus infection.

Last week, French Polynesia also introduced a requirement for anyone over the age of 11 to wear a mask on public transport, but dropped such a regime for enclosed places.

Media reports also said some French Polynesian travellers cancelled planned trips to France or the US because they could not be assured that tests could be done and evaluated within three days of their planned return flight.