Nauru: Officials tighten COVID-19-related restrictions effective Jan. 26 /update 5

Event

Officials in Nauru have tightened COVID-19-related quarantine measures effective Jan. 26. Under the new directive, authorities require confirmed cases and their close contacts to quarantine until officials issue an all-clear. Visitors are not permitted to visit residences with positive COVID-19 cases. Authorities will conduct random checks to ensure compliance with the quarantine directive; failure to comply may be punishable by fines.

Domestic Measures
The government continues to recommend people remain home for all but essential reasons. Officials require facemasks in all public settings, with exceptions for eating and drinking. Indoor gatherings, businesses, workplaces, and educational institutions must ensure proper ventilation or open windows when operating. To attend school, students and educators must have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose or received a COVID-19 recovery certificate and be awaiting the first dose. Enforcement of restrictions is likely uneven; however, officials could issue a fine of up to AUD 10,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to six months for people violating COVID-19 restrictions.

International Travel Restrictions
Officials allow some essential international flights, primarily via Brisbane, Australia. The government requires full vaccination for travelers 12 years old and above; individuals aged above five years old must be fully vaccinated to enter Nauru effective Jan. 1. Travelers must wear a facemask on flights to Nauru Inbound passengers must present a negative PCR test result taken within 24 hours before departure and complete a Health Declaration Form. Arrivals must undergo a rapid antigen test (RAT) upon arrival.

Travelers that return a negative RAT result must self-quarantine at accommodations or home until receiving the results of a PCR test the day after arrival. Inbound passengers who receive a positive RAT or PCR test result must quarantine at a designated location, possibly their residence, for 13 days or until cleared by health officials. Authorities do not permit people that test positive to depart the country for 13 days after diagnosis; outbound travelers must also be free of symptoms for three days. Exceptions are possible for people that receive a recovery certificate from health authorities. Officials have ended testing requirements for outbound passengers.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays.