353 Covid-19 cases in French Polynesia this month

11:06 am on 27 August 2020

French Polynesia has recorded another 18 Covid-19 infections, raising the total for this month to 353.

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Photo: supplied

The health department said nine people were in hospital, including three in intensive care.

It also said 140 people had recovered.

While most cases are in the western half of Tahiti, a new case was confirmed on Moorea and three in Raiatea.

The current outbreak has led to almost six times more cases than the first wave from March to June.

However, efforts to combat the coronavirus are less stringent this time and another lockdown has been repeatedly ruled out.

Gatherings of more than 10 people are subject to official approval and the wearing of masks in busy public areas is compulsory.

Churches are allowed to stay open while a raft of schools have either closed some classes or the entire establishment.

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

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