French Polynesia has taken the lead: since Wednesday, April 29, the overseas community has started its deconfinement measures, almost two weeks before the planned relief in mainland France. Several measures remain in effect such as barrier gestures or the closure of schools until May 18. But the beaches, restaurants and almost all of the shops have reopened.
Polynesia currently lists only 58 people affected by the coronavirus. Tahiti, the most populated island, and Moorea, the neighboring island, which concentrated the majority of the cases, were the last of the archipelago to begin this "reduction", the other islands having started since April 20.
The restaurants, closed since March 20, have welcomed people. But not as much as fast food. In downtown Papeete, the McDonald's drive had to offer a special route through the streets to avoid paralyzing traffic. "My husband and daughter have missed it too much, so we are going to order a lot," assures AFP Heimiti Tarahu, a client who is patient behind the wheel.
Distance of "six cocos" between two people
This craze angered some activists who demonstrated in front of motorists, anti-junk food signs in hand. "We have an incredible rate of obesity and diabetes, it should be prohibited, we have proven with alcohol that we could do it!" “Is indignant Moea Pereyre, one of the demonstrators. Alcohol was banned for several weeks during confinement and its sale is still restricted in Polynesia.
Accustomed to kissing themselves, Tahitians also learn to give up this custom. Local authorities have adapted the guidelines for social distancing to Polynesian sauce: the Ministry of Tourism recommends a space of "six coconuts" between two people, while the Economic Council recommends to space them "twelve tupa" (crabs, in Tahitian ).
Cinemas, sports halls ... still closed
Satisfied with the reopening of shops, the president of the CPME, Christophe Plée, however deplores the fact that half of the requests from companies to obtain aid from the solidarity fund were rejected for technical errors. "It is 180,000 francs (1,500 euros) for March but also for April, so it is imperative that licensees and business leaders go and seek these funds which are available to help those who have lost a lot", said he told AFP.
The confinement and total cessation of tourism, the main resource of the community, has weakened the entire local economy. Authorities remain hopeful that they have brought the epidemic under control, but give themselves until May 13 to announce further deconfinement measures. For the moment, public gatherings are prohibited, as are travel from one island to another, except between Tahiti and Moorea. And discos, cinemas and gyms remain closed.