The Cook Islands Cabinet met a short time ago to discuss the temporary total air border closure for inwards passenger travel that has been in place since 11.59pm Thursday 13 August (CKT).
Cabinet has decided to extend the closure until 11:59 pm Tuesday 25 August (CKT) at which time the border closure will be further reviewed.
Until this time two essential workers will be allowed to travel on the flight arriving Friday 21 August flight (CKT). These are two health workers who escorted patients to Auckland last Friday and have been under managed isolation since arrival.
Additionally, the Secretary of Te Marae Ora will consider giving approval to any inbound passengers who will complete 14 days of New Zealand managed isolation on Saturday 22 August (NZT).
All other persons will be denied entry into the Cook Islands.
Exemptions to the closure can be found in the Travel Advisory on www.covid19.gov.ck
For future travellers, Cabinet has instructed Te Marae Ora to investigate the establishment of a 14-day supervised quarantine facility in NZ for the purposes of facilitating the safe travel of individuals to the Cook Islands.
ENDS: Enquiries to Jaewynn McKay +682 55486; jaewynn.mckay@wovenpacific.com