4 May 2020

Air travel resumes and schools reopen in New Caledonia

4:59 pm on 4 May 2020

Domestic flights in New Caledonia and post offices have reopened today as most restrictions imposed over the Covid-19 outbreak have been lifted.

Air Caledonie ATR takes off from Magenta airport in Noumea

Air Caledonie ATR takes off from Magenta airport in Noumea Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel

Passengers on Air Caledonie flights however have to wear masks.

Schools in the Northern Province have also reopened after being closed for seven weeks.

In the Southern Province, schools reopened nearly two weeks ago.

For the next six weeks restrictions will remain on the size of public meetings and on sporting events. Nightclubs have to stay shut.

The border will remain shut for general travel but flights repatriating stranded residents are expected from Sydney and Auckland on 8 and 9 May and flights from France will have to wait until probably 14 May.

The rotation of French officials and military personnel planned for late last month is on hold.

New Caledonia last recorded a positive coronavirus test almost a month ago.

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