The Cook Islands government has extended border closure measures in place for inbound travel.
Locals only - island environments like this popular swimming spot on Rarotonga are becoming lush with life and colour thanks to the tourism shutdown. Photo: D.Fisher
Cabinet met this evening in Rarotonga and decided to extend the closure, which has been in place since Thursday last week after the re-emergence of Covid-19 in the community in New Zealand.
In a statement the Cook Islands government said the border closure will now remain in place until 25 August, which is next week Tuesday.
The New Zealand government will be reviewing its Covid-19 alert levels this Friday 21 August.
One exemption is being made to the Cook Islands border ban for two essential workers who helped escort patients to Auckland last week, they will be brought back to Rarotonga on a flight this Friday.
The pair have been in managed isolation in Auckland this entire time.
The Cook Islands cabinet has also instructed Te Marae Ora to look into the establishment of a 14-day supervised quarantine facility in New Zealand to help facilitate safe travel to the Cook Islands.
