6 Nov 2020

New Caledonia isolates Covid-19 positive French soldier

12:48 pm on 6 November 2020

A French soldier in New Caledonia has tested positive for Covid-19 case, bringing its tally to 29.

French military transport plane in New Caledonia

French military transport plane in New Caledonia Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel

The individual, who arrived on Wednesday, tested positive yesterday and was transferred to the dedicated isolation unit at the hospital.

Investigations are under way to identify close contacts.

Reports say the soldier's partner, who is in France, has also tested positive.

There has been no community transmission in New Caledonia.

A compulsory two-week quarantine in government-sponsored accommodation is imposed on all arrivals, with the French security forces operating their own facilities.

The border is largely closed and flights are strictly limited under a plan which will remain in force until at least 27 March.

The other main French territory in the Pacific, French Polynesia, has more than 2000 active Covid-19 cases in the community.