18 Apr 2020

Rapa Nui officials keen to limit contact with mainland Chile

10:01 am on 18 April 2020

Authorities on Rapa Nui are working to extend their Covid-19 quarantine as cases and fatalities surge on mainland Chile.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui) governor, Tarita Alarcón Rapu.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui) governor, Tarita Alarcón Rapu. Photo: Chile government

The island's leadership successfully challenged the Chilean health minister's attempt last week to cut short a two-week lockdown.

They are insisting on limited and controlled contact with Chile.

Rapa Nui's governor Tarita Alarcón Rapu said negotiations are ongoing with the airline Latam for renewed flights from continental Chile to bring essential cargo and returning islanders.

She said no dates are set but people arriving will be placed into mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Health authorities on the island confirm coronavirus cases remain at five and have congratulated people for adhering to the lockdown over Easter.

A Health representative said up to eight people a day are being tested for Covid-19 when they present with symptoms.

The population of Rapa Nui is over 7,000.

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