COVID-19 pandemic in French Polynesia

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in French Polynesia

The COVID-19 pandemic in French Polynesia is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus was confirmed to have reached French Polynesia on 11 March 2020.

Background

COVID-19 cases in French Polynesia

The COVID-19 pandemic began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020, and a pandemic on 11 March 2020. French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France, reported its first case on the same day the pandemic was declared.

Timeline

2020

The first case in French Polynesia was confirmed on 11 March 2020. The patient was a member of the French National Assembly, who had traveled from Paris. Following this, the local government implemented measures to contain the spread, including travel restrictions and quarantine protocols.

In March 2020, the government announced a lockdown, which included the closure of schools, non-essential businesses, and a ban on public gatherings. These measures were gradually lifted in May 2020 as the number of cases decreased.

2021

COVID-19 deaths in French Polynesia

In 2021, French Polynesia experienced a surge in cases, attributed to the Delta variant of the virus. The government reintroduced some restrictions, including curfews and limitations on gatherings, to curb the spread.

The vaccination campaign began in early 2021, with priority given to healthcare workers and vulnerable populations. By mid-2021, a significant portion of the population had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Impact

Healthcare System

The pandemic put a strain on French Polynesia's healthcare system, which had limited resources to handle a large number of COVID-19 cases. Hospitals faced challenges in managing the influx of patients, particularly during the peaks of the pandemic.

Economy

The economy of French Polynesia, heavily reliant on tourism, was severely affected by the pandemic. Travel restrictions and lockdowns led to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals, impacting businesses and employment in the sector.

Society

The pandemic also had social impacts, including disruptions to education and changes in daily life due to restrictions. The government and local communities worked to support those affected, providing assistance to vulnerable groups.

Government Response

The government of French Polynesia, in coordination with the French government, implemented various measures to control the spread of the virus. These included testing, contact tracing, and vaccination campaigns. Public health campaigns were also conducted to educate the population about preventive measures.

Related pages

• COVID-19 pandemic in France
• COVID-19 pandemic by country and territory
• Public health emergency