French Polynesia: Wallis and Futuna report first COVID-19 case October 16

Event

Authorities in Wallis and Futuna have confirmed the first case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the French Polynesian territory. Reportedly, the individual arrived in Wallis and Futuna on October 3 and is asymptomatic; they have since been placed in isolation in a hospital. 

Only travelers who can prove that entry is for urgent family/work reasons will be allowed to enter Wallis and Futuna, and they will be expected to complete a travel certificate. All travelers over the age of 11 must undertake a test for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure for Wallis and Futuna. The test is obligatory and a negative result must be shown before embarking. Travelers must also provide a self-certified document affirming that they have no symptoms and have not been in contact with any person confirmed positive within the last 14 days.

Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.