20 Sep 2021 | 01:18 PM UTC
Cook Islands: Authorities extend domestic restrictions due to COVID-19 concerns; international flights suspended through 23:59 Sept. 28 /update 4
Cook Islands extends domestic restrictions indefinitely due to COVID-19 concerns. Inbound flights remain suspended through 23:59 Sept. 28.
Event
Authorities in the Cook Islands have extended domestic restrictions indefinitely due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns. The COVID-19 alert remains at Level 2 on a four-tier scale. Officials require physical distancing of 2 meters (6.5 feet) between people in public and 1 meter (3 feet) in workplaces. Authorities limit gatherings to 100 people; organizers must register gatherings of 25 or more people and keep guests' contact information.
Public venues and businesses can continue to operate but must ensure physical distancing for customers; owners are encouraged to keep patrons' contact information. Travel between Rarotonga to outlying islands has resumed, but travelers must undergo health checks upon departure. Level-2 measures will remain in effect until New Zealand has reported two weeks without any COVID-19 activity.
Travel Restrictions
Officials have extended the suspension of inbound passenger flights from New Zealand through 23:59 Sept. 28. The decision effectively halts all inbound international travel, as the government usually only permits entry for travelers who have spent the previous 14 days in New Zealand. The government will not provide any entry exemptions until 23:59 Sept. 28. However, officials intend to arrange a repatriation flight for citizens in areas of New Zealand under Level 2 from Christchurch in the future. Returning residents on the flight must obtain a negative COVID-19 test result and complete the Online Contact Information Form within 72 hours before departure. People on repatriation flights must also undergo a seven-day quarantine at designated facilities.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm travel arrangements. Consider delaying travel 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.
