26 Apr 2022 | 05:06 AM UTC
Cook Islands: Officials further ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of April 26 /update 13
Cook Islands reduces more domestic COVID-19 controls as of April 26. Further easing, including border controls, planned from May 1.
Event
Officials in the Cook Islands have further eased some domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of April 26. The government has lifted capacity limits for indoor gatherings. Additionally, authorities have permitted travel to Manihiki, Rakahanga, and Penrhyn to resume. Mangaia, Mitiaro, and Mauke will end domestic border controls from May 1. Travelers to these outlying islands must continue to take a rapid antigen test (RAT) before departure. However, a vaccination mandate and a requirement to remain in Rarotonga or Aitutaki for seven days have ceased. The government will also resume travel to Aitutaki from May 1 without testing or vaccination mandates. Some local island governments may continue to require a quarantine period for arrivals.
The government will also adjust international border controls from May 1, lifting a pre-departure test requirement. Officials will no longer require vaccination for people 16 years old or below for entry.
Domestic Measures
A facemask requirement remains for all indoor public areas. The government requires high-risk establishments, including hospitality and entertainment venues, offices open to the public, enclosed retail outlets, and religious sites, to ensure 1 meter (3 feet) physical distancing and an appointed COVID-19 officer. These venues can operate at full capacity if all patrons are fully vaccinated. 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. Employers can apply for an Essential Worker Pass for essential employees considered close contacts of COVID-19 cases. The pass allows affected employees to travel between work and home, provided they receive a negative RAT result daily. People who have recovered from COVID-19 can obtain a Green Freedom Pass, which allows the holder to forgo testing requirements and quarantine rules.
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 16 years old can also enter the country with permission. All arrivals must complete an online travel declaration 96 hours before departure. Passengers must also obtain a negative PCR test result within 48 hours or supervised RAT 24 hours before departure until May 1.
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.
