07 Mar 2021 | 10:48 AM UTC
New Caledonia: Authorities announce movement restrictive and travel measures March 7 in response to new COVID-19 cases
Officials in New Caledonia announce new movement and travel restrictions March 7 following discovery of COVID-19 cases.
Event
Authorities will enforce new COVID-19 restrictions from the evening of March 8 in response to the discovery of nine new cases of COVID-19 from people recently returned from Wallis and Futuna. Officials will implement containment measures for 15 days from 0001 March 9 with restrictions on business activity and travel. Officials have indicated that a full list of regulations and restrictions will be provided March 8. However, some measures have already been noted.
All schools and universities will be closed from March 8.
Nonessential activities will be suspended.
Air Caledonie (TY) will cancel flights from March 8.
Flights between New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna have been canceled and a travel bubble between the two territories, suspended.
All persons who have returned from Wallis and Futuna since Jan. 25 are urged to isolate and to contact the authorities.
The status of previously enforced measures remains unclear; however, further clarification is likely March 8. International travel restrictions were previously extended through July 31 with some exceptions for repatriation, freight, and medical transport flights. Some flights to France were also operating. Only persons with essential reasons for travel to the territory will be approved entry. All persons approved for travel to New Caledonia must provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate no older than 72 hours. Persons entering the territory have to quarantine for 14 days in government-run facilities. Officials will quarantine visitors displaying COVID-19 symptoms at a medical facility.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
