Frequently Asked Questions
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 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.
THE THREE STAGES OF COVID-19 COOK ISLANDS EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN:
- BLUE: Preparation and Readiness (Delay entry of disease)
- YELLOW: Alert (Delay widespread disease transmission)
- RED: Activation (Mitigate impact of disease)
- GREEN: Post-Event (Recovery)
FEELING WORRIED, ANXIOUS AND UNSETTLED?
It's normal to worry, but sometimes our worries can get out of control. The right knowledge and a little planning can help prepare yourself and your family.
- Get the Facts: Check out health.gov.ck
- Take Control: Follow the advice given by Te Marae Ora
- Be Flexible: You may have to change plans
- Be Prepared: Have a plan for your family
- Look out for eachother: Be kind and take care of eachother
If it is all getting out of control for you, please talk to someone - call 25664.
WHAT DO I DO IF I AM FEELING SICK? WHO DO I CONTACT?
For Health-related questions or concerns, please contact the Healthline on 0800 1800; 0800 1801; 0800 1802 or go direct to your Puna.
WHAT IS SUPERVISED QUARANTINE AND WHAT MUST I DO
Supervised quarantine is applied to any person(s) travelling to Rarotonga from New Zealand, or wishing to travel from Rarotonga to the Pa Enua. They are required to contact Te Marae Ora to register their details and will be advised of their responsibility in supervised quarantine.
Person(s) will be required to undertake quarantine practices e.g. stay in one room, refrain from sharing towels and utensils, use separate bathroom, keep visitors away, and only leave home if authorised by the supervising health officials.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF AND OTHERS?
WHAT ARE THE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS FROM NZ TO RAROTONGA?
Cook Islanders and Cook Islands residents caught in New Zealand when travel to their homeland was suspended about a month ago will start hearing when they can go home. Cook Islands officials will begin contacting people who have registered to travel to Rarotonga. The first cohort will be required to enter supervised quarantine in a designated managed isolation facility in Auckland from 24 April 2020. For full release click here.
WHAT ARE THE TRAVEL RESTRICTION FROM RAROTONGA TO THE PA ENUA?
All persons intending to travel to the Pa Enua from Rarotonga are required to undergo 14 days supervised quarantine before the scheduled date of travel. These persons must register with Te Marae Ora and undergo supervised quarantine as above. The Secretary of Heath however, may grant consent for those wishing to travel to the outer islands, provided that person does not pose any COVID-19 related health risks
WHY ARE THE BORDERS STILL OPEN?
Borders are closing in and getting tighter, but the country needs the planes to send out our sick, and tests, to bring in supplies and to support our health efforts.
COVID-19 Radio Talkback show
Mon-Fri 12-1pm CKT on Radio Cook Islands - Listen here
