09 Aug 2022 | 06:14 AM UTC
Pacific: Nations and territories in South Pacific maintaining most COVID-19-related restrictions as of Aug. 9 /update 73
South Pacific nations and territories maintaining COVID-19 restrictions as of Aug. 9. Disruptions ongoing in some locations.
Event
Countries and territories in the South Pacific region are adjusting domestic and international restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As of Aug. 9, the following measures are in effect:
Guam: A public health emergency remains in place through at least Sept. 4. Most domestic restrictions have ended; however, facemasks remain mandatory in healthcare settings. Only foreign nationals fully vaccinated with Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca/Covishield, Sinopharm, and Sinovac can enter the territory. Exceptions are possible for people under 18 years old; individuals with medical, humanitarian, or emergency exceptions; people with valid visas departing from countries with limited vaccine availability, and foreign government officials.
Marshall Islands: Authorities have raised the alert to National Conditional Level Red, the highest level, as of Aug. 9 amid COVID-19 activity in Majuro. Officials require people to wear facemasks in public nationwide. The government has also suspended travel from Majuro to other islands until further notice. Additional domestic measures are possible in the coming days. Most inbound international travelers remain banned, and individuals wishing to enter the Marshall Islands must receive permission from authorities in advance. However, officials will open the border to fully vaccinated travelers from Oct. 1. Inbound passengers must obtain either a negative PCR test result within 24 hours of departure or a negative PCR test result within 48 hours and a rapid antigen test (RAT) within 24 hours before departure. Arrivals must quarantine for 10 days at designated quarantine facilities. Entry for fishing vessels from countries or territories with COVID-19 activity, cruise ships, and private ships remains suspended, though officials permit stops for provisions. Cargo shipments are allowed, but vessels must stay at sea for 14 days before entry. Permitted travel between Kwajalein and Majuro remains limited to Air Marshall Islands (CW).
Niue: Officials have raised the COVID-19 response to Alert Level Red, prompting nonessential business closures. Public sector and essential services remain operational. The government permits international travelers via flights from New Zealand. All inbound passengers must submit a Niue Traveller Declaration, provide evidence they were fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 in the previous three months, and obtain a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours before departure. Nonresident foreigners must also hold travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation. Entrants do not have to quarantine upon arrival. All inbound passengers must undergo COVID-19 PCR testing on days 1 and 3 after arrival. People that test positive for COVID-19 while in Niue must self-quarantine at their accommodation at their own expense.
Northern Mariana Islands: The government is maintaining the Community Vulnerability Level at Green - the lowest level. Gatherings of over 150 people remain limited if participants are unvaccinated. Authorities require people that get COVID-19 to self-quarantine for five days and undergo testing before exiting. Only foreign nationals fully vaccinated with Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca/Covishield, Sinopharm, and Sinovac can enter the territory. Exceptions are possible for people under 18 years old; individuals with medical, humanitarian, or emergency exceptions; people with valid visas departing countries with limited vaccine availability; and foreign government officials. Authorities no longer require a health declaration or pre-departure testing. Unvaccinated entrants must continue to self-quarantine at appropriate accommodations for five days and take a COVID-19 test on day 5.
Palau: Officials require individuals 18 years old and above to be fully vaccinated to enter the country. Inbound passengers must monitor their health for any COVID-19 symptoms, wear facemasks in public, and avoid large gatherings for the first four days after arrival. Officials will also issue mitigation orders to travelers upon entry. Officials may issue quarantine orders for 14 days for people exposed to confirmed COVID-19 cases; authorities could quarantine other individuals for less time if present at exposure sites only. The government requires facemasks in schools, medical facilities, and all indoor gatherings of 50 or more people. Violators will face fines and/or imprisonment.
Tuvalu: Almost all commercial flights remain suspended. However, the government may approve sporadic repatriation flights. Inbound travelers are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine before entering the country.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.
