07 Jan 2022 | 08:25 AM UTC
Cook Islands: Authorities to resume commercial flights, tighten domestic restrictions from Jan. 13 /update 8
Cook Islands to resume international commercial flights with New Zealand, tighten domestic controls from Jan. 13.
Event
Officials in the Cook Islands will implement new domestic controls to prevent the spread of COVID-19 from Jan. 13. Under the new measures, the government will classify many establishments, including hospitality and entertainment venues, offices open to the public, enclosed retail outlets, and religious sites, as high risk. These venues can operate at full capacity if all attendees are fully vaccinated. Establishments allowing unvaccinated participants must limit capacity to 100 people. All high-risk venues must ensure 1 meter (3 feet) physical distancing. High-risk establishments and gatherings of more than 100 people must collect contact information and appoint a COVID-19 officer. A facemask mandate will apply to high-risk facilities and public transport, though authorities encourage facemask use in public.
Authorities will also resume commercial passenger flights from New Zealand starting Jan 13. All inbound passengers must stay in New Zealand for at least 10 days before departure for the country. The government will permit Cook Islands citizens and permanent residents to enter regardless of vaccination status. However, other visa holders, diplomats, and tourists must be fully vaccinated for entry. People with medical exemptions from vaccination or under 12 years and 3 months can also enter the country. All arrivals must complete an online travel declaration 96 hours before departure and obtain a negative PCR test within 48 hours before departure.
Most arrivals can enter the Cook Islands without quarantine. Unvaccinated arrivals must quarantine at managed facilities for 10 days with testing on arrival and days five and nine. Children under age 12 and citizens and permanent residents with medical vaccine exemptions can self-quarantine for five days, with testing on arrival and day five. The government will charge for quarantine; fees are NZD 2,142 for the first adult, 825 for an additional adult, and 500 for children aged 12 and younger.
Domestic Measures
Until Jan. 13, 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 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.
International Travel Restrictions
Authorities continue to suspend inbound commercial passenger flights from New Zealand through at least 23:59 Jan. 12. 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.
