18 Mar 2021 | 04:33 PM UTC
New Caledonia: Authorities extend COVID-19 movement restrictions and travel controls through March 28 /update 2
New Caledonia extends COVID-19 movement restrictions and travel controls through March 28. Further extensions possible.
Event
New Caledonian officials have extended the territory's ongoing lockdown to at least March 28 following the discovery of additional COVID-19 cases. Residents must stay at home except for essential reasons and may not travel to areas further than one hour's travel distance from their homes. Officials require a travel certificate, including handwritten attestations, for critical employees to commute to work, as well as for personal essential or medical travel. Facemasks are mandatory in public. Violations of COVID-19 movement restrictions are punishable by fines of up to CFP 15,000 (USD 150).
Nightlife establishments must remain closed. Schools and universities are scheduled to remain closed until April 12. The government is permitting some businesses to continue operating with social distancing measures in place. Further business controls are possible.
Authorities have halted domestic and international commercial flights through at least March 28. The government will continue to restrict public transport between Grande Terre and the Loyalty Islands during the lockdown period. Intercity bus services and interisland maritime services remain suspended.
Travel Restrictions
New Caledonia has extended travel restrictions through at least July 31. Inbound international commercial passenger flights remain suspended, though authorities may allow some repatriation and medical transport flights after March 28. Cargo flights are operating normally. Permitted travelers must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours. Most returning residents must quarantine for 14 days in government-run facilities. Officials will quarantine visitors with 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.
