A French Polynesian unionist Patrick Galenon has called for a lockdown like in France to stem the spread of Covid-19.
Tourism leaders in French Polynesia Photo: supplied
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Case numbers in Tahiti and Moorea have soared by more than 2,000 in the past week but the government and the French High Commission warn that a lockdown will unleash a lasting economic crisis.
38 people have died in the pandemic and Mr Galenon told Radio 1 that inaction could lead to the death of many more.
"We are twice as infected as mainland France, and case numbers rise. Therefore we need a lockdown right away. The prime minister and the president were very clear," said Patrick Galenon.