05 Mar 2022 | 05:03 AM UTC
Kiribati: Officials extending COVID-19 controls in South Tarawa and Betio through at least 06:00 March 18 /update 1
Authorities maintaining eased COVID-19 controls in Kiribati. Curfew remains in effect for several locations until at least 06:00 March 18.
Event
Authorities in Kiribati are maintaining reduced Alert Level 3 measures through at least 06:00 March 18 amid ongoing COVID-19 activity. However, officials now 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 to travel to these locations.
Domestic Measures
A 19:00-06:00 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. Gatherings can occur outdoors with up to 20 people. Government offices have reopened. Essential retail, such as food markets, operates 06:00-18:00 daily under social distancing measures. However, the government has zoned essential retail and services to limit movement during open hours. Entertainment and nightlife venues remain closed.
Public transport has also resumed, but operators can only permit seated customers, reducing capacity. Passengers must wear facemasks on board vehicles.
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.
