French Polynesia's second wave of Covid-19 hits 130

6:35 pm on 16 August 2020

French Polynesia has recorded more than 100 Covid-19 cases in the past week, bringing the total number of the second wave of infections to 130.

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Photo: supplied

Another 26 cases of the coronavirus were confirmed today.

In the first wave from March to June a total of 62 cases were recorded.

There is concern that the latest outbreak might have spread to the Marquesas, with test results expected soon.

The government said three of the infected people were in hospital.

Media reports said an unspecified number of cases concern staff at Tahiti's main hospital.

Two tourists visiting Huahine were reported Covid-19 positive and moved to Tahiti.

Other islands reporting coronavirus cases included Bora Bora which had been free of Covid-19 during the first wave.

Most cases were the result of local transmission, exacerbated by a party in a Papeete restaurant two weeks ago.

Linked to the Papeete cluster are 51 cases diagnosed in France after a 72-strong mobile police squad returned from Tahiti.

There had been calls to reintroduce mandatory quarantine requirement for international arrivals but both the government and the French High Commission ruled out such measures.

The requirement was dropped a month ago to boost tourism.

Instead the authorities insist on travellers being coronavirus negative on departure for Tahiti and to self-test for the virus on the fourth day of their stay.

Anyone going on a cruise ship also has to take a Covid-19 test.