31 Mar 2022 | 11:34 AM UTC
Cook Islands: Government to further ease COVID-19 domestic restrictions from April 1 /update 12
Cook Islands to ease some domestic COVID-19 controls from April 1. Border reopening to Australian travelers from April 12.
Event
Cook Islands authorities will further ease domestic COVID-19 measures from April 1. Officials will no longer require people to use the CookSafe quick response card or CookSafe+ app or check in at establishments. The government will also introduce the Essential Worker to permit workers that are considered close contacts of COVID-19 cases to continue to travel between work and home, provided they receive a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) result each day. Employers must apply for the passes for essential workers. Authorities will also introduce a Green Freedom Pass, which will permit people who have recovered from COVID-19 and are household contacts of an infected person to forgo testing requirements and quarantine rules. Officials will also allow contact sports to resume for adults, though clubs and sporting bodies must arrange RATs for participants on the day of competitions.
The government plans to resume inbound travel for fully vaccinated Australian passport holders starting April 12.
Domestic Measures
Officials cap all indoor and outdoor gatherings at 50 people; organizers may apply for an exemption from the Secretary of Health to convene larger groups. The measure does not apply to business-related functions, including restaurants. A facemask requirement remains for all indoor public areas.
The government classifies many establishments, including hospitality and entertainment venues, offices open to the public, enclosed retail outlets, and religious sites, as high risk. Nevertheless, these venues can operate at full capacity if all patrons are fully vaccinated. All high-risk venues must ensure 1 meter (3 feet) physical distancing and appoint a COVID-19 officer. Public venues and businesses must ensure physical distancing for customers.
Locally acquired COVID-19 cases and their close contacts must self-quarantine for seven days. Affected people will also likely have to undergo COVID-19 testing before leaving quarantine, though requirements can vary.
Air and sea travel from Rarotonga to the outlying islands, except Aitutaki, is restricted to cargo transport. However, passengers can travel from outlying islands to Rarotonga.
International Travel Restrictions
International flights are available from New Zealand. The government permits fully vaccinated foreign nationals to enter the country. People with medical exemptions from vaccination or under five years, three months 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 result within 48 hours or supervised RAT within 24 hours before departure.
Most arrivals, including unvaccinated Cook Island citizens and permanent residents, can enter the Cook Islands without quarantine. Permitted unvaccinated children under age five years, three months, partially vaccinated children under age 12, 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.
