Face masks are encouraged to be worn in all public settings and if you are 6 years of age or older, they must be worn on public transportation such as:
- School/public buses
- Passenger transfers and,
- Domestic and international flights.
There are some exceptions to the requirements to wear face masks, such as
- When a person is under 6 years of age.
- When a person who has a physical or mental illness, condition or disability.
- When a person is eating or drinking.
- When in a defined or enclosed space that is separate from the passenger area of a vehicle that is in use as part of a public transport service.
- When a person is taking medicine.
- When communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, and visibility of the mouth is essential for communication.
- When asked to remove the mask to ascertain the person’s identity.
- If wearing a face mask is not safe in all of the circumstances.
- In an emergency.
- When removal of, or not wearing, the face mask is otherwise required or authorized by law.
To apply for medical exemptions email tmo.exemptions@cookislands.gov.ck
Te Marae Ora guidance on the use of face masks and what to consider when selecting a face mask, how to wear (put on and take off), store, wash and make a face mask.
This guidance is designed to strengthen public health measures to limit the transmission of infectious agents through respiratory droplets or aerosols including those that cause Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Learn how to make your own reusable face mask.
