New Caledonia is easing Covid-19 related restrictions for the Christmas and holiday period as case numbers have dropped.

The latest daily tally is 25, down from its peak of more than 1,100 in September.

From today, it is no longer mandatory to wear a mask outside and the nightly curfew, introduced three moths ago, has been lifted.

However, mask wearing remains mandatory inside buildings for anyone aged 11 and older.

Social gatherings are now allowed for up to 50 people.

Events and rallies are allowed for up 500 people if they are masked.

The new regulations are in place until 30 January.

New Caledonia went into a lockdown in early September because of a community outbreak, which to date has claimed 280 lives, mainly indigenous Kanaks.