Cook Islands: Government eases some COVID-19 restrictions from April 29 /update 3

Event

The Cook Islands government announced that some coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions will be eased from Wednesday, April 29. The new measures lifts the ban on large public gatherings and eases alcohol restrictions. Alcohol will now be sold between 09:00 and 18:00 (local time). The Cook Islands will, however, remain closed to international passengers until further notice.

Prime Minister Henry Puna previously announced that the country was free of COVID-19 on Saturday, April 19, after hundreds of tests came back negative. The announcement resulted in an easing of Code Yellow measures, enabling schools to reopen, the lifting domestic travel restrictions to and from Pa Enua, and allowing the resumption of non-contact sports and church services. Cafes and restaurants may also resume business as long as they abide by social distancing measures. The Ministry of Health continues to advise Cook Islanders and residents against nonessential international travel.

As of Wednesday, April 29, officials have not confirmed any cases of COVID-19 on the Cook Islands. Further international spread of the virus is to be 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). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On February 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the risk of spread and the risk of impact of the virus is "'very high' at global level."

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

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 COVID-19 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.