Pacific / French Polynesia

French Polynesia records a further 241 Covid-19 cases

10:29 am on 7 November 2020

Another 241 people in French Polynesia have tested positive for Covid-19 since yesterday.

The total number of cases has reached 9995.

87 people with Covid-19 symptoms are in hospital, including 25 in intensive care.

Photo: 123RF

39 people have died.

All but 62 cases were detected after the borders were reopened in July and mandatory quarantine requirements were abolished to boost tourism.

A curfew is in force in Tahiti and Moorea to curb the spread of the infection.

The government is considering restricting the sale of alcohol again following reports of breaches of the restrictions.

The government has reinstated support payments for those suffering loss of income because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Those eligible include people working in hospitality affected by the curfew which was reinstated last month in view of soaring rates of infection.

The tourism sector said it had been hit by a series of cancellations after France ordered another lockdown last month.

Officials said the move created confusion because it was not made clear that French Polynesia was exempt from the decision in Paris and that tourists were still allowed to travel to Tahiti.