01 Apr 2021 | 06:19 PM UTC
New Caledonia: Authorities lift strict COVID-19 lockdown April 2; some business and gathering controls continue until at least April 11 /update 4
New Caledonia lifts strict COVID-19 lockdown; some domestic restrictions remain in place until at least April 11. Border controls continue.
Event
New Caledonian officials have lifted the territory's COVID-19-related lockdown orders as of April 2, though some domestic business and gathering controls are set to continue through at least April 11. Under the new directives, public transport has resumed, and residents are no longer required to limit domestic travel. Facemasks remain mandatory in public places. Most businesses are allowed to resume operations with social distancing measures in place, though dance clubs must remain closed. Gatherings are limited to no more than 50 attendees. Domestic and international commercial flights remain suspended through at least April 4.
International Travel Restrictions
Inbound international commercial passenger flights remain suspended, though authorities may allow some repatriation and medical transport flights to operate. Cargo flights are operating normally. Permitted arrivals from outside New Caledonia must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours. Passengers must quarantine for 14 days in government-run facilities. Officials will quarantine visitors with COVID-19 symptoms at a medical facility. Mandatory quarantine measures and certain international flight controls are set to continue until at least Oct. 30.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements as a precaution. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
