Kiribati: Officials extend COVID-19 measures nationwide through at least 06:00 April 1 /update 2

Event

Authorities in Kiribati have extended Alert Level 3 measures through at least 06:00 April 1 amid reduced COVID-19 activity.

Domestic Measures
A 20:00-06:00 nightly curfew continues in South Tarawa, Betio, Buota, and Butaritari. Officials require residents to remain at home during curfew hours unless working in essential industries or purchasing critical goods. Government offices have reopened. Essential retail, such as food markets, operates 06:00-19:00 daily under social distancing measures. Other businesses, such as building supply shops and restaurants, can also offer takeaway services only.

Tighter measures are in place for North Tarawa, Maiana, Abaiang, Marakei, Abemama, Aranuka, and Maikin, where a 18:00-06:00 curfew is in place. Officials require people to remain at home as much as possible. All but essential and emergency public offices are closed. Essential retail can operate 06:00-18:00; however, the government has zoned essential retail and services to limit movement during open hours.

Gatherings can occur outdoors with up to 20 people nationwide. Entertainment and nightlife venues remain closed across the country. Public transport has also resumed, but operators can only permit seated customers, reducing capacity. Passengers must wear facemasks on board vehicles. Officials allow travel between South Tarawa and Betio and Abaiang, Abemama, Aranuka, North Tarawa, and Makin islands with official permission. All travelers 18 years old and above must be fully vaccinated and receive a negative COVID-19 test result to travel to these locations.

International Travel Restrictions
International commercial flights remain suspended. However, the government permits fully vaccinated Kiribati nationals and essential workers to enter the country via South Tarawa. All other ports of entry remain closed. Inbound passengers must hold a negative COVID-19 test result obtained 48 hours or less before departure and undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival. Passengers from COVID-19-free locations must quarantine for seven days, while travelers from high-risk places must quarantine for 14 days.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm business appointments, deliveries, work, and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling 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. Ensure access to essential items and plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.