French Polynesia

French Polynesia hit by 6th wave of Covid pandemic

81 new cases were recorded in the latest reporting week, marking a further rise of infections which shows the persistence of the virus reports RNZ Pacific.

Most cases are in the Society Islands but one in the Marquesas Islands was so serious, the patient had to be flown to the main hospital in Tahiti.

A total of three people with Covid-19 were reported to be in hospital, but none in intensive care.

People considered to be at particular risk are advised to keep up with the recommended vaccinations.

 

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Covid on the rise in French Polynesia

The health authorities say 66 infections were recorded in the past week, mainly among older people in Tahiti.

They say almost all infections are the latest variant of the virus, which is spreading around the globe.

However, to date no serious cases have been reported and no hospitalisation has been needed reports RNZ Pacific.

People are encouraged to get vaccinated, especially if they are at risk of complications.

 

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Covid number increasing in French Polynesia

There are now 400 active cases.

RNZ Pacific reports four people with Covid-19 are in hospital - one of them in intensive care.

Local television says one Covid-9 patient died in hospital last week, but the death has not been included 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.

     

Large portion of subsidised bread going to dogs and pigs

Baguettes are a basic food staple which is subject to price regulation and kept affordable by subsidies.

Each year the government provides $US13 million in subsidies to keep the price at about 50 cents per breadstick.

That means people can buy bread twice as low as they are in mainland France.

Due to the war in Ukraine animal food products have gone up, however unsold bread makes a cheaper substitute for feeding animals.

The price of flour has increased by 70 percent over one year due to the crisis.

French Polynesia detects new Covid-19 variants

The first case was discovered two weeks ago, and another two cases were discovered last week, however, the total number of cases over the territory is still unknown.

Local Covid-19 health expert Henri Pierre Mallet told La Premiere that this new variant might mean a return to a similar situation to previous outbreaks.

"It's more contagious, that's why we are having such an increase.

French Polynesia records another 20 Covid cases

The number of active cases is now 61, which is a slight drop since last week but well below the outbreak's peak last year.

The health authorities say there are no Covid-19 patients in the hospital.

The death toll of the pandemic is 649, with most fatalities registered during last year's outbreak with the Delta variant.

Vaccinations have continued and more than 81 percent of those 12 years and older have had two jabs.

     

Dancer, boxer among seven in French Polynesia jailed for drug trafficking

The six-year sentence was given to the leader of the network, Manava Akau, whose hip hop group, All In One, made the 2018 semi-final of France's high-profile televised talent show.

Akau is also implicated in a separate case, which is yet to go to court, over the seizure two months ago of $US50 million worth of methamphetamine on the first cruise ship to arrive from the United States since 2020.

Another 29 Covid cases in French Polynesia

The number of active cases is now 50, a figure largely unchanged for weeks.

The health authorities say there are no Covid-19 patients left in hospital.

The death toll from the pandemic is 649, with most fatalities registered during last year's outbreak with the Delta variant.

One person died this month.

Vaccinations have continued and more than 81 percent of those 12 years and older have had two jabs.

Travel restrictions have been eased and most pre-pandemic air links have been resumed, with tourism showing a strong rebound.

 

More Covid cases reported in French Polynesia

The number of active cases is now 51, a slight increase over last week.

The health authorities say there are no Covid-19 patients left in the hospital.

Vaccinations have continued and more than 81 percent of those 12 years and older have had two jabs.

The death toll of the pandemic is 648, with most fatalities registered during last year's outbreak with the Delta variant.

Travel restrictions have been eased and most pre-pandemic air links have been resumed.

   

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More Covid-19 cases in French Polynesia as pandemic eases

The health authorities say five patients are in hospital.

The number of active cases has almost halved in the past week and is now 662.

More than 80 percent of those 12 years and older have had two jabs.

Pandemic-related restrictions were further relaxed earlier this month by exempting more people from the obligation to be vaccinated.

There is also no longer a need to show a vaccine pass for domestic travel.