French Polynesia Covid-19 cases now at 36

12:12 pm on 31 March 2020

French Polynesia records one more Covid-19 case, now 36

There has been another confirmed Covid-19 infection in French Polynesia, raising the total to 36.

One of the carriers is in hospital care.

The latest update shows that for two consecutive days there has been an increase of the tally by just one.

The person who tested positive on Rangiroa was to be transferred to Tahiti which has the majority of cases.

Food restrictions loosened

The authorities in French Polynesia have loosened some of the restrictions in the agriculture sector and will trial a drive-through market in Tahiti.

The Ministry of the Green Economy has now exempted farmers and their paid staff from the curfew and allows them to move from their homes to their work, provided they have a valid written attestation.

Health notice in French Polynesia

Health notice in French Polynesia Photo: Supplied

The Ministry said movements should however be kept at a minimum and there should be as few people in vehicles as possible.

It will also trial a new form of drive-through market in two Tahiti locations to improve the supply of fresh food and fish.

In co-operation with the Agriculture Directorate and the Chamber of Agriculture and Lagoon Fishing, the towns of Pirae and Punaauia will organise such markets tomorrow and on 3 April as a trial.

The project, dubbed Market Drive, is to allow about ten producers to set up in a controlled section of parking area.

Buyers in their cars can line up and tick on a list the food they want to buy, leave either cash or a cheque and the order will be compiled and loaded into the vehicle.

The ministry said if this initiative is successful it will be rolled out elsewhere.