Novel Coronavirus Disease Information for Travelling to the the Cook Islands

Pursuant to s9A of the Entry Residence and Departure Act 1972 the following travel restrictions are in place: Persons intending to travel to the Cook Islands who have been to the following countries within the last 14 days will be denied entry into the Cook Islands.

CHINA, HONG KONG, TAIWAN, MACAU, JAPAN, SINGAPORE, SOUTH KOREA, MALAYSIA, THAILAND, INDONESIA, PHILIPPINES, VIETNAM, CAMBODIA, LAOS, ITALY AND IRAN

WHAT IF I HAVE TRANSITED THROUGH THESE COUNTRIES WITHIN 14 DAYS OF MY ARRIVAL IN THE COOK ISLANDS?

Persons that have transited, whether for a refueling or technical stop, through the countries listed below in the last 14 days will be denied entry to the Cook Islands. It is advised that alternative travel arrangements are made, to reroute through countries not listed here;
CHINA, HONG KONG, TAIWAN, MACAU, JAPAN, SINGAPORE, SOUTH KOREA, MALAYSIA, THAILAND, INDONESIA, PHILIPPINES, VIETNAM, CAMBODIA, LAOS, ITALY AND IRAN.

WHEN CAN I TRAVEL TO THE COOK ISLANDS IF I HAVE VISITED OR TRANSITED THROUGH THESE COUNTRIES?

It is advised that in order to meet the full 14 required days that you travel on the 15th day.

WHAT IF I HAVE BOOKED MY TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION TO THE COOK ISLANDS?

If you have already booked your travel to the Cook Islands, it is recommended that you contact your travel agent/airline and/or insurance company to advise them of the unforeseen changes to your travel. We recommend contacting your accommodation/tour operators to advise of any changes to your confirmed travel. Refunds/reimbursements are at the discretion of the operators.

WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS DISEASE?

Coronavirus can make humans and animals sick. Some can cause illnesses similar to the common cold and others cause more serious illnesses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)

WHAT IS NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE? (COVID-19)

There is a new coronavirus disease primarily affecting people in China and which is spreading to other parts of the world. The virus is highly infectious and can spread from person-to-person.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19?

Symptoms include (but are not limited to) fever, cough, diarrhoea and difficulty breathing.

Difficulty breathing is a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention. It can take up to 14 days for symptoms to show after a person has been infected.

WHAT DO I DO IF I AM SICK RIGHT NOW?

Do not travel without first seeking medical attention and testing for COVID-19. Your assistance in minimising risk to other passengers and country of arrival is required to enable us to effectively manage the spread of COVID-19. If you have fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath, let a Health or Biosecurity Officer know immediately.

Other travellers with signs and symptoms of illness (fever, cough, or difficulty breathing) may require additional health assessment.

WHAT DO I DO IF I GET SICK IN RAROTONGA/COOK ISLANDS?

• Isolate yourself from other people and put on a mask if you have one; and
• Call Healthline on +682 29667 for advice about what to do

WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF AND OTHERS?

• Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against most viruses. You should:
• Wash your hands regularly with water and soap or hand sanitiser;
• Use good cough etiquette – cover your coughs and sneezes with tissue and discard immediately in the rubbish bin or cough and sneeze in your flexed elbow; and
• Avoid close contact with others (including touching, kissing, hugging)

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19?

Visit the Ministry of Health website at www.health.gov.ck

(Source:Cook Islands  Travel Advisory Update 10th March 2020)