08 Mar 2021 | 06:55 AM UTC
New Caledonia: Authorities to enforce movement restrictions and domestic travel measures 0001 March 9-March 22 due to COVID-19 cases /update 1
New Caledonia to enforce lockdown and domestic travel restrictions through March 22 following discovery of COVID-19 cases.
Event
New Caledonian officials have announced additional details of a territorywide lockdown 0001 March 9-22, following the discovery of COVID-19 cases tied to travel from Wallis and Futuna. Authorities request that all travelers from Wallis and Futuna since Jan. 25 self-quarantine and contact health officials. From 0001 March 9, residents must stay at home, except for essential reasons, and limit travel to within one hour from home. Officials will require a travel certificate, including handwritten attestations, for critical employees to commute to work or personal essential or medical travel. Violators could face a fine of up to CFP 15,000 (USD 150). Officials will make facemasks mandatory in public areas from March 13.
Authorities will close nightlife establishments from 1800 March 8. The government will permit operations to continue in 29 business categories with social distancing measures in place. However, some nonessential business closures or disruptions are likely. Schools and universities will remain closed during the period.
The government will restrict public transport between Grande Terre and the Loyalty Islands through March 22. Authorities have halted most domestic, commercial flights as of March 8. Air New Caledonia (TY) will initially carry out some repatriation flights from the Loyalty Islands to Noumea (NOU). TY officials could announce flights from NOU to the Loyalty Islands in the coming days. Intercity bus services and interisland maritime services will cease operations.
Travel Restrictions
New Caledonia has extended travel restrictions through at least July 31. Inbound international commercial flights remain suspended, though authorities allow some repatriation, freight, and medical transport flights. Permitted travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate no older than 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.
Authorities will permit scheduled flights from Australia and Wallis and Futuna to operate until March 10, but passengers must quarantine for 14 days. From March 11, officials will suspend a travel bubble with Wallis and Futuna and halt most inbound flights, except for medical staff. Cargo operations will continue normally.
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.
