25 Jan 2022 | 07:54 AM UTC
Cook Islands: Authorities to tighten domestic and international restrictions from Jan. 26 due to COVID-19 concerns /update 9
Cook Islands to enhance COVID-19 restrictions from Jan. 26. Unvaccinated travelers mostly banned through Feb. 26.
Event
Officials in the Cook Islands will strengthen COVID-19 restrictions amid concerns over the Omicron COVID-19 variant. From Jan. 26, the government will not permit unvaccinated arrivals into the country for one month. Adults may apply for an exemption for unvaccinated children under five years old.
Officials will also limit gatherings to 100 people, regardless of vaccination status, and implement a facemask mandate for all indoor public areas. Authorities will require all travelers to Aitutaki to undergo a rapid antigen test before departure from Rarotonga.
Domestic Measures
The government classifies 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. All high-risk venues must ensure 1 meter (3 feet) physical distancing, collect contact information, and appoint a COVID-19 officer. Public venues and businesses must ensure physical distancing for customers; owners are also encouraged to keep patrons' contact information. Travelers to outlying islands, except Aitutaki, must remain in Rarotonga for seven days and take a rapid antigen test on the day of departure.
International Travel Restrictions
International flights are available from New Zealand. The government permits fully vaccinated travelers to enter the country, but all inbound passengers must stay in New Zealand at least 10 days before departure. People with medical exemptions from vaccination or under five years old can also enter the country with permission. 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. Permitted unvaccinated 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 charges for quarantine; fees are NZD 2,142 for the first adult, 825 for an additional adult, and 500 for children aged 12 and younger.
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.
