COVID-19 pandemic in French Polynesia
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The
COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identif ...
was confirmed to have reached the French
overseas collectivity The French overseas collectivities (''collectivité d'outre-mer'' or ''COM'') are first-order administrative divisions of France, like the French regions, but have a semi-autonomous status. The COMs include some former French overseas colonie ...
of
French Polynesia )Territorial motto: ( en, "Great Tahiti of the Golden Haze") , anthem = , song_type = Regional anthem , song = " Ia Ora 'O Tahiti Nui" , image_map = French Polynesia on the globe (French Polynesia centered).svg , map_alt = Location of Frenc ...
in March 2020. As of 24 August 2021, French Polynesia has been the worst affected country in Oceania both in terms of proportion relative to population of total confirmed cases and total deaths. French Polynesia has experienced two significant outbreak waves, the first between September 2020 - January 2021, and the ongoing second wave which began in July 2021. __TOC__


Background

On 12 January 2020, the
World Health Organization The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution states its main objective as "the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of h ...
(WHO) confirmed that a
novel coronavirus Novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a provisional name given to coronaviruses of medical significance before a permanent name is decided upon. Although coronaviruses are endemic in humans and infections normally mild, such as the common cold (caused by ...
was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in
Wuhan Wuhan (, ; ; ) is the capital of Hubei, Hubei Province in the China, People's Republic of China. It is the largest city in Hubei and the most populous city in Central China, with a population of over eleven million, the List of cities in China ...
,
Hubei Hubei (; ; alternately Hupeh) is a landlocked province of the People's Republic of China, and is part of the Central China region. The name of the province means "north of the lake", referring to its position north of Dongting Lake. The prov ...
,
China China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, slightly ahead of India. China spans the equivalent of five time zones and ...
, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019. The
case fatality ratio In epidemiology, case fatality rate (CFR) – or sometimes more accurately case-fatality risk – is the proportion of people diagnosed with a certain disease, who end up dying of it. Unlike a disease's mortality rate, the CFR does not take int ...
for COVID-19 has been much lower than SARS of 2003, but the
transmission Transmission may refer to: Medicine, science and technology * Power transmission ** Electric power transmission ** Propulsion transmission, technology allowing controlled application of power *** Automatic transmission *** Manual transmission *** ...
has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll.


Timeline


March 2020

On 11 March, the first case of
COVID-19 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by a virus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first known case was COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei, identified in Wuhan, China, in December ...
in French Polynesia was confirmed. The first patient was
Maina Sage Maina Sage is a French Polynesian politician and former Cabinet Minister. She was a member of the Assembly of French Polynesia from 2008 to 2017, and a member of the National Assembly for the 1st constituency of French Polynesia from 2014 to ...
, a member of the French National Assembly. The number of cases reported rose to three on 13 March. The other new coronavirus case concerns a Swiss tourist who fell ill on the atoll of Fakarava in the Tuamotus. According to Tahiti Nui Television, the tourist had also arrived in French Polynesia the previous weekend. The individual has been flown back to Tahiti where tests confirmed his infection. Meanwhile, French Polynesia has suspended cruise ship tourism for a month. The government has issued a statement saying ships bound for French Polynesia are to be routed to the next international port of their choice. Ships within French Polynesia's territorial waters are directed to head to Papeete for passengers to disembark and to be repatriated. Before docking, the passengers' health status has to be reported to authorities. Three new cases were confirmed on 18 March, and five on 19 March. On 20 March, a mandatory lock-down was announced, starting at midnight. Starting on 24 March, alcoholic beverages are forbidden from being sold. On 27 March 2020, the French High Commissioner Dominique Sorain and the French Polynesian President jointly announced that a curfew would be imposed, lasting from 8pm to 5am the next day, starting this day until 15 April.


May 2020

On the 19 May, the Ministry has reported that all 60 cases had recovered, and declared the country COVID-19 free, but would remain vigilant. On 21 May, residents would be permitted to travel to the other island without needing to take a test, however there would still be 2 week quarantine order for arrivals.


August 2020

On 12 August, 77 new cases were reported by the Ministry. From August 12 to August 25, the authorities of French Polynesia implemented the following measures (subject to extension): * Closing of discos and nightclubs; * Meetings of more than 50 people on the public highway or in any place open to the public are subject to prior permission from the Office of the High Commissioner; * Application of strict rules in restaurants and bars (patrons must be seated, maintain a minimum distance of 1 meter between each table, and wearing a mask is mandatory by everyone when moving around the establishment); * Wearing of masks is mandatory in all shops, water taxis/ferry transportation, airplanes, public ground transport, airports and ferry terminals. Requirements will be enforced by controls and sanctions. Failure to comply with these requirements is punishable by a fine of up to €745.82. On 14 August, 104 cases were reported by the Ministry. The cases were isolated at home or in a dedicated accommodation center. Three people were hospitalized at the Taaone Hospital (CHPF), none in the intensive care unit and three cases were released from isolation and were considered healthy. On 17 August, 149 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed. The cases had all isolated at home or in a dedicated accommodation center. Four cases were released from isolation and considered healthy. Two people were hospitalized at the CHPF, none in the intensive care unit. On 19 August, 170 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed. Of the 170 cases, 27 were released from isolation and considered healthy. The 143 other cases confirmed in the last 10 days were all isolated at home or in a dedicated accommodation center. Three people remained hospitalized at the CHPF, including one in intensive care. On 21 August, a total of 236 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed between August 2 and 21, 2020. Of these, 80 were released from isolation and considered to be cured. The other confirmed cases are all isolated at home or in a dedicated accommodation center (28 people). Four people are currently hospitalized at the CHPF for signs of COVID-19, including one in intensive care. Among the cases, 11 people are over 65 years old. The cases are located in the urban communes of Tahiti. A new case has been detected in Raiatea. On 24 August, a total of 310 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed since August 2, 2020. Of these, 119 have been released from isolation and considered to be cured. The other cases confirmed during the last 10 days are all isolated at home or in a dedicated accommodation center (34 people). Seven people are currently hospitalized at the CHPF for signs of COVID-19, including 3 in intensive care. The cases are located in the urban communes of Tahiti. Three linked cases are isolated in Raiatea. On 26 August, a total of 353 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed since August 2, 2020. Of these, 140 have been released from isolation and considered cured. The other cases confirmed during the last 10 days are all isolated at home or in a dedicated accommodation center (36 people). Nine people are currently hospitalized at the CHPF for signs of COVID-19, including 3 in intensive care. The cases are located in the urban communes of Tahiti. Three linked cases are isolated in Raiatea. A new case has been declared in Moorea. On 28 August, a total of 420 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed since August 2, 2020. Of these, 169 have been released from isolation and considered to be cured. The other cases confirmed during the last 10 days are all isolated at home or in a dedicated accommodation center (34 people). Ten people are currently hospitalized at the CHPF for signs of COVID-19, including 2 in intensive care. The cases are located in the urban communes of Tahiti, Moorea and Raiatea (2 new cases are under investigation). On 31 August, a total of 511 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed since August 2, 2020. Of these, 205 have been released from isolation and considered cured. The average age of all cases is 36 years old. The other cases confirmed during the last 10 days are all isolated at home or in a dedicated accommodation center (39 people). Ten people are currently hospitalized at the CHPF for signs of COVID-19, including 4 in intensive care. The average age of those hospitalized is 52 years old. The active cases are located in the urban communes of Tahiti, as well as in Bora-Bora and Raiatea.


September 2020

On 2 September, a total of 560 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed since August 2, 2020. Of these, 274 have been released from isolation and considered to be cured. The average age of all cases is 36 years old. The other cases confirmed during the last 10 days are all isolated at home or in a dedicated accommodation center (29 people). Eleven people are currently hospitalized at the CHPF for signs of COVID-19, including 4 in intensive care. The average age of those hospitalized is 52 years old. The active cases are located in the urban communes of Tahiti, as well as in Bora-Bora and Raiatea On 7 September, a total of 711 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed since August 2, 2020. Of these, 466 have been released from isolation and considered to be cured. The average age of all cases is 36 years old. The other cases confirmed during the last 10 days are all isolated (245), including 17 in a dedicated accommodation center. Eight people are currently hospitalized at the CHPF for signs of COVID-19, including 3 in intensive care. The average age of those hospitalized is 52 years old. The active cases are located in the urban communes of Tahiti (238), as well as in Moorea (3), Bora-Bora (1), Hao (2) and Huahine (1).


October 2020

As of 11 October, 2,754 cases had been reported, of which 633 were active. The
President of French Polynesia , flag = , flagsize = , flagcaption = , insignia = Coat of arms of French Polynesia.svg , insigniasize = , insigniacaption = Coat of arms of French P ...
,
Édouard Fritch Winfred Édouard Tereori Fritch (born 4 January 1952) is a French politician who has served as President of French Polynesia since 2014. He previously presided over the Assembly of French Polynesia on three occasions: from April 2007 to February ...
, tested positive for the disease, two days after visiting
Emmanuel Macron Emmanuel Macron (; born 21 December 1977) is a French politician who has served as President of France since 2017. ''Ex officio'', he is also one of the two Co-Princes of Andorra. Prior to his presidency, Macron served as Minister of Econ ...
in France.


December 2020

By the end of December 2020, the death toll had reached 68.


July 2021

French Polynesia began experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 infections in July 2021.


August 2021

, there have been 40,178 confirmed cases and 328 deaths.


September 2021

On 4 September, 17 deaths were reported, bringing the death toll to 480. More than 300 have died since an outbreak that began in late July 2021. A total of 362 patients have been hospitalised with 46 of these being in intensive care in
Tahiti Tahiti (; Tahitian ; ; previously also known as Otaheite) is the largest island of the Windward group of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. It is located in the central part of the Pacific Ocean and the nearest major landmass is Austr ...
. On 17 September, French Polynesian authorities airlifted 12 people to
Paris Paris () is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,165,423 residents in 2019 in an area of more than 105 km² (41 sq mi), making it the 30th most densely populated city in the world in 2020. S ...
for medical treatment. 167 people have been hospitalised with 50 in intensive care. Two people died the previous day, bringing the death toll to 585. By 28 September, French Polynesia reported a total of 44,612 cases while the death toll had risen to 617. There were 95 patients in hospital with 24 in intensive care. There were also 53 "Long COVID" patients.


Conditions of entry and stay in French Polynesia

French Polynesia has confirmed conditions of entry and stay in the country applicable to all travelers from 6 years old (resident and non-resident) arriving by air. Since July 15, 2020, quarantine measures were lifted and French Polynesia's borders re-opened to international tourism from all countries. All travelers are subject to the following mandatory conditions:


Prior to boarding

* Proof of a negative RT-PCR test carried out within three days prior to their international air departure; * Present the receipt of the health registration on the Etis.pf platform (Electronic Travel Information System);


On board


Application of International Air Transport Association (IATA)
travel health protocol will be applied (at airports and on board the plane); * Wearing mask during the flight.


During the stay

Self-test 4 days after arrival on the islands of Tahiti. Wearing a mask (from the age of 11 years old) is : * recommended in enclosed public places and establishments; * mandatory in outdoor public spaces subject to large number of people, including: shops, water taxis/ferry transportation, airplanes, public ground transport, airports and ferry terminals. Failure to comply with these requirements is punishable by a fine of up to €745.82. Respecting prevention measures at all times and in all places;


Cases by Archipelagos and Islands


Vaccination efforts

, a total of 137,967 vaccine doses have been administered. By 4 September 2021, 40% of the population had been fully vaccinated. Anyone working with the public was also required to get a COVID-19 vaccine jab within two months. In mid-October 2021, anti-vaccination rallies were held in French Polynesia including
Tahiti Tahiti (; Tahitian ; ; previously also known as Otaheite) is the largest island of the Windward group of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. It is located in the central part of the Pacific Ocean and the nearest major landmass is Austr ...
. Hundreds took part in a rally in
Papeete Papeete (Tahitian language, Tahitian: ''Papeete'', pronounced ) is the capital city of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of the France, French Republic in the Pacific Ocean. The Communes of France, commune of Papeete is located on the isl ...
organised by the group "Don't Touch my Family." Another rally was held in
Hiva Oa With its , Hiva Oa is the second largest island in the Marquesas Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. Located at 9 45' south latitude and 139 W longitude, it is the largest island of the southern Mar ...
in the
Marquesas Islands The Marquesas Islands (; french: Îles Marquises or ' or '; Marquesan: ' ( North Marquesan) and ' ( South Marquesan), both meaning "the land of men") are a group of volcanic islands in French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in th ...
. On 19 October, the French Polynesian government delayed a new law making COVID-19 vaccines compulsory. Under the law, anyone working in healthcare or with the public will need to get inoculated or be fined $US1,700. The proposed law has been met with anti-vaccination protests throughout the territory. In response to strong opposition from anti-vaccination protesters, unions, and employers,
President President most commonly refers to: *President (corporate title) *President (education), a leader of a college or university *President (government title) President may also refer to: Automobiles * Nissan President, a 1966–2010 Japanese ful ...
Édouard Fritch Winfred Édouard Tereori Fritch (born 4 January 1952) is a French politician who has served as President of French Polynesia since 2014. He previously presided over the Assembly of French Polynesia on three occasions: from April 2007 to February ...
announced that the new law would not come into effect next week but would be delayed until 23 December. In late October, the pro-independence party Tavini Huiraatira joined weekly protests against the new COVID-19 vaccine mandate law. On 12 December 2021, the French Polynesian government announced that France's highest court had approved the vaccination law, which would come into force on 23 January 2022.


See also

*
COVID-19 pandemic in France The COVID-19 pandemic in France has resulted in confirmed cases of COVID-19 and deaths. The virus was confirmed to have reached France on 24 January 2020, when the first COVID-19 case in both Europe and France was identified in Bordeaux. Th ...
*
COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania The COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed to have reached Oceania on 25 January 2020 with the first confirmed case reported in Melbourne, Australia. The virus has spread to all sovereign states and territories in the region. Australia and New Zeala ...


References

{{#related:COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania
French Polynesia )Territorial motto: ( en, "Great Tahiti of the Golden Haze") , anthem = , song_type = Regional anthem , song = " Ia Ora 'O Tahiti Nui" , image_map = French Polynesia on the globe (French Polynesia centered).svg , map_alt = Location of Frenc ...
Polynesia Polynesia () "many" and νῆσος () "island"), to, Polinisia; mi, Porinihia; haw, Polenekia; fj, Polinisia; sm, Polenisia; rar, Porinetia; ty, Pōrīnetia; tvl, Polenisia; tkl, Polenihia (, ) is a subregion of Oceania, made up of ...
Disease outbreaks in French Polynesia 2020 in French Polynesia 2021 in French Polynesia 2022 in French Polynesia