05 Nov 2021 | 06:04 AM UTC
Cook Islands: Authorities extend restrictions as of Nov. 5 due to COVID-19 concerns /update 6
Cook Islands extends domestic COVID-19 controls as of Nov. 5. International commercial flights suspended through at least 23:59 Jan. 12.
Event
Officials in the Cook Islands are maintaining domestic restrictions as of Nov. 5 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 also encouraged to keep patrons' contact information. Travel between Rarotonga to outlying islands can occur, but travelers must undergo health checks upon departure.
Travel Restrictions
Authorities have suspended inbound commercial passenger flights from New Zealand through at least 23:59 Jan. 13. The decision effectively halts nearly all inbound international travel, as the Cook Islands only permits entry for travelers who have spent the previous 14 days in New Zealand. However, officials plan to operate some repatriation flights. Residents returning such flights must obtain a negative COVID-19 test result and complete the Online Contact Information Form within 72 hours before departure. Travelers 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 domestic travel arrangements. Delay travel until border restrictions ease. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
