Pacific / French Polynesia

Tahiti churches stay open amid worsening Covid-19 pandemic

09:23 am on 27 August 2020

French Polynesia's churches have been allowed to stay open despite a rapid rise in Covid-19 infections.

French Polynesia allows churches to remain open amid spread of Covid-19 Photo: supplied

A further 25 cases were recorded on Wednesday, raising the total this month to 335.

The French Polynesian government and the French High Commissioner met church delegates to discuss the measures aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus.

A statement said they stressed the importance of limiting the size of gatherings and to wear masks in public spaces that were busy, but ruled out church closures as an option.

Although gatherings of more than 10 people required a permit, the statement made no reference to such a rule in the context of church services.

It said it was important for the churches to share information about best practices to be adopted.

Church leaders are expected to submit further suggestions to the authorities in the days to come.

Covid-19 began to spread after the government last month opened the border and abolished quarantine requirements for arriving travellers.

During the first Covid-19 wave earlier this year, in which 62 people were infected, church services were suspended.