29 Mar 2021 | 09:01 PM UTC
New Caledonia: Authorities extend COVID-19 domestic movement restrictions through at least April 4 /update 3
New Caledonia extends domestic COVID-19 movement restrictions through at least April 4. International travel controls set to continue.
Event
New Caledonian officials have extended the territory's ongoing lockdown to at least April 4 in response to COVID-19 activity. Residents must stay at home except for essential reasons and may not travel to areas further than one hour's travel distance from their homes. Officials require a travel certificate, including handwritten attestations, for critical employees to commute to work, as well as for personal essential or medical travel. Facemasks are mandatory in public. Violations of COVID-19 movement restrictions are punishable by fines of up to CFP 15,000 (USD 150).
Nonessential gatherings are banned. Schools, along with nonessential business establishments such as bars and clubs, remain closed. The government is permitting some businesses to continue operating with social distancing measures in place. Further business controls are possible.
Authorities have halted domestic and international commercial flights through at least April 4. The government will continue to restrict public transport between Grande Terre and the Loyalty Islands for the duration of the lockdown period. Intercity bus services and interisland maritime services remain suspended.
International Travel Restrictions
Inbound international commercial passenger flights remain suspended, though authorities may allow some repatriation and medical transport flights to operate. Cargo flights are operating normally. Permitted travelers must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours. Arrivals from abroad must quarantine for 14 days in government-run facilities. Officials will quarantine visitors with COVID-19 symptoms at a medical facility. Mandatory quarantine measures and international flight controls are set to continue until at least Oct. 30.
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. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
