6 Dec 2022

Covid cases rising in Niue, French Polynesia

10:39 am on 6 December 2022
Burgdorf, Lower Saxyony, Germany - March 28, 2021:  Covid-19 Antigen rapid tests with negative test results

Photo: 123rf.com

The number of active covid-19 cases in Niue has reached 61, taking the total number of cases to 172 since the virus first arrived at the border in March.

Niue Hospital is experiencing staffing shortages due to the outbreak.

In a statement, the government said new health measures at the hospital have been implemented to protect health workers.

From Monday local time, the out-patient entrance in front of the hospital will be closed to the public.

Spike in cases in French Polynesia

The covid-19 numbers in French Polynesia continue to climb, with a further 138 infections being counted in the latest 48-hour reporting period.

There are now 372 active cases.

Three people with covid-19 are in hospital.

Local media said one covid patient died in hospital, but the death is not counted in the pandemic's tally.

There have been repeated calls for people to update their vaccination status as only 23 percent of those over 60 have had a booster.

Last year when the territory was hit by an outbreak of the Delta variant, more than 600 people died, of whom more than 94 percent had not been vaccinated.