14:07

The remote Pacific outpost of Easter Island has confirmed its first case of COVID19 – a 42-year old who is reportedly in stable condition.



Authorities on the island, which has been ruled by Chile since 1888, had attempted to seal it off after the virus was first detected on the mainland in early March. After mounting pressure, LATAM – the only airline with direct flights to the island – eventually cancelled fights last Tuesday, and all tourists were evacuated.

Subsequently, Chile’s Health Minister announced the island would be quarantined for a period of 14 days.

Easter Island is 2,182 miles away from Chile’s mainland - around a 6-hour flight. Given its isolation, and lack of medical facilities, an outbreak on the island is cause for concern.

Any critical patients would have to be transported back to the mainland, which typically takes around two days to organise.

Despite the precautions taken by local authorities, it is unclear how the virus reached the island. The patient had not been off the island, nor in contact with anyone with confirmed symptoms.

The mayor, Pedro Edmunds Paoa, has criticised Chile’s central government for their slow handling of the situation.

In mainland Chile, citizens are calling the government to order a total lockdown. Over the weekend, President Sebastian Piñera declared a curfew from 10 pm-05 am, but health professionals argue such measures are not enough to stop the spread.