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.
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 each other: Be kind and take care of each other
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 ARE THE KEY PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES I SHOULD ALWAYS PRACTISE?
- Wash your hands regularly (at least 20 seconds) with soap or hand sanitiser
- Maintain physical distancing of 2 metres from other people as much as possible, other than those in your home (the small group of people you are in supervised quarantine with)
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm/elbow
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid hugs, kisses or shaking hands
- Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces regularly
BEFORE TRAVEL TO RAROTONGA
I AM PLANNING TO TRAVEL TO THE COOK ISLANDS, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
- Register your intention to travel to the Cook Islands with Cook Islands Immigration on email: [email protected]. Registrations close at 11:59pm Tuesday (New Zealand time) in the week prior to your flight departing Auckland.
- Get tested for COVID-19 within 96 hours of your flight departing Auckland. The test must be negative.
- Confirm your place of residence where you will be undertaking supervised quarantine in Rarotonga, for 14 days. Contact Te Marae Ora on email: [email protected].
- Visit your GP for a health check if you feel unwell, and ensure you have adequate medicine supplies.
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE MY COOK ISLANDS STATUS STAMP IN MY PASSPORT?
If your birth place on your passport is in the Cook Islands, you do not require a Cook Islands Status stamp at this time.
If your birth place is outside of the Cook Islands, we may need more information, please email: [email protected] and we will assist you.
WHAT IF MY PERMIT EXPIRED IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS, WHILE OUTSIDE OF THE COOK ISLANDS?
You must have a valid permit for travel and entry into the Cook Islands. Please email: [email protected], your passport bio data page and most recent permit stamp and we will assist you.
HOW DO I ARRANGE A COVID-19 TEST?
- COVID-19 tests are available at community-based testing centres in Auckland.
- Please contact your usual GP in New Zealand for further information regarding testing centres. If you do not have an Auckland based GP, please contact Te Marae Ora on email: [email protected]
- When you present for your test, ensure you have a mobile number and email address so that the test results can be sent to your phone and / or email. Forward the results to Te Marae Ora on email: [email protected].
- If you require further assistance contact your GP. It will be the responsibility of the traveller to make the necessary arrangements and cover any associated cost with undertaking COVID-19 testing prior to departure.
WHEN SHOULD I ARRANGE MY COVID-19 TEST?
- As soon as possible.
- COVID-19 tests must be arranged within 96 hours of your flight departing Auckland.
CAN I TRAVEL TO THE COOK ISLANDS BEFORE I HAVE RECEIVED MY COVID-19 TEST RESULTS?
- No.
- If you know you will not be receiving the results of your COVID-19 test prior to your check-in, please contact Te Marae Ora directly by either;
- Email: [email protected] or Phone: Cook Islands +682 29 110
WHAT IF I AM TRAVELLING FROM AUSTRALIA (OR ANOTHER COUNTRY)?
- You cannot travel directly to the Cook Islands from Australia (or any other country). You will be required to stay in New Zealand for 14 days.
- New Zealand requires all arrivals to enter their managed isolation facilities for 14 days.
- Please check the New Zealand COVID-19 website for applicable charges to enter their managed isolation facilities.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET PRE-DEPARTURE APPROVAL FROM TE MARAE ORA?
- Email [email protected] and advise the address of the residence that you wish to undertake your supervised quarantine for 14 days.
- Te Marae Ora health officers will visit the premises and conduct an assessment of its suitability for you to complete supervised quarantine. If other family members will be residing with you, you must advise them that on your arrival, they will also be expected to undergo supervised quarantine for 14 days.
- You must provide an alternative residence if a vulnerable person resides at your supervised quarantine residence.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I HAVE PROVIDED TE MARAE ORA MY TEST RESULT AND MY PREFERRED RESIDENCE TO UNDERTAKE SUPERVISED QUARANTINE FOR 14 DAYS?
Once Te Marae Ora has received the results of your COVID-19 test result (negative), and approved your nominated residence where you will undertake supervised quarantine in Rarotonga, your details will be communicated to Immigration Cook Islands who will provide final approval for you to travel to the Cook Islands.
AT AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
WHAT SHOULD I REMEMBER TO DO WHEN I AM AT AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT?
When moving through the airport, please remain vigilant and maintain physical distancing as much as possible from other persons.
WHERE IS THE HEALTH CLEARANCE SERVICE AT AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT?
- Exit health clearance services are clearly marked inside the departure's terminal. This service is provided for all passengers departing Auckland for Rarotonga.
- This involves a health questionnaire and temperature check undertaken by health officials.
WHAT DO I DO WHEN I ENTER THE DEPARTURES TERMINAL?
You will need to present a record of your test results (mobile, email, paper) before you undergo your exit health screen. Once you have obtained clearance, join the queue for check-in and proceed through customs to your boarding gate.
ON THE PLANE
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I AM ON THE PLANE?
It is mandatory for all passengers to wear face masks at all times, during the flight and on arrival in Rarotonga. Face masks will be provided by flight attendants.
ON ARRIVAL IN RAROTONGA
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE IN RAROTONGA?
- Keep wearing your face mask until you reach your home.
- Upon entering the arrivals hall, present your health arrivals declarations card to the health official. Should you require further health assistance, the health booth will be available.
- Present you CookSafe registration form to the health official also if you wish to register for the Cook Islands contact tracing programme. Registration is voluntary.
- After clearing Immigration, Customs and Biosecurity checks, you will then be transported direct to your nominated residence for supervised quarantine.
HOW DO I GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE PLACE WHERE I WILL BE UNDERTAKING MY SUPERVISED QUARANTINE?
You will be transported to the place where you will be undertaking your supervised quarantine. This transport service will occur under the supervision of Te Marae Ora. You must follow the directions of officials at the airport.
SUPERVISED QUARANTINE
WHAT IS SUPERVISED QUARANTINE?
- Supervised quarantine is an effective precautionary measure to protect those around you and in the Cook Islands - your family, friends, and colleagues - from catching COVID-19. It means taking simple, public health measures to avoid close physical contact with other people as much as possible.
- It is important to note supervised quarantine is a specific public health concept used to remove some people from others for a short period of time, to prevent, limit or mitigate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 and its effects in the Cook Islands.
- Your supervised quarantine process will be governed by a Category Quarantine Order under the COVID-19 Act 2020.
WHERE DO I UNDERTAKE MY SUPERVISED QUARANTINE?
- You can undertake your supervised quarantine at the residence of your choice or alternative dwelling that has been pre-approved by Te Marae Ora prior to your departure from Auckland.
- Any other person living in that dwelling will also be subject to supervised quarantine for 14 days.
- The place where you are undertaking your supervised quarantine will be marked with a yellow flag to allow monitoring by the local Community Health Clinic services, community, and Puna, and to alert others that the dwelling is under quarantine restrictions.
- The Puna will be providing 24/7 monitoring of your property to ensure there is no breach of the supervised quarantine process.
WHEN DOES MY 14 DAYS OF SUPERVISED QUARANTINE START?
- Quarantine is for 14 days from the time you arrive in the Cook Islands.
- It starts on arrival at Rarotonga International Airport.
WHAT ARE THE RULES DURING MY SUPERVISED QUARANTINE?
The rules of supervised quarantine are set out in the category quarantine order which will be provided to persons who are subject to the order and include that:
- You will need to stay within the boundaries of your property at all times (and so will those living with you).
- You will receive daily health checks during your stay. This is a vital process for your wellbeing and for the wellbeing and health of others around you. You are required to cooperate fully with health officials to ensure health checks can be completed efficiently and effectively.
- You must follow any further directions given by health officials.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I BREACH A CONDITION OF THE SUPERVISED QUARANTINE?
- Any breach of the quarantine requirements may result in prosecution and a term of imprisonment of up to 12 months or a fine not exceeding $10,000
CAN I GO OUTSIDE MY ROOM OR HOME?
- You may go outside your room or home, but you must stay within the parameters of your private property / yard.
- Any form of exercise is permitted provided this is within the confines of your private property.
CAN I LEAVE MY PROPERTY TO GET FOOD AND OTHER ESSENTIALS?
- No. You cannot leave your property.
- You must arrange with family or friends to deliver food, water, and other essential medicines to your property.
- Food, water, essential medicines, and personal items should be dropped off at the edge of your property.
- If you need assistance with having these items delivered to your property, please let the health official know during the daily health checks and other arrangements will be made
WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL PRESCRIPTION?
Health officials will be available daily to assist you should you require medicines.
CAN I HAVE VISITORS TO MY PROPERTY?
- No, you cannot have family and friends visit you.
- Food, water, essential medicines, and personal items should be dropped off at the edge of your property.
- The Puna officers who will be monitoring your property will direct visitors where to place any items for you.
WHAT IF I AM FEELING LOW OR DEPRESSED?
- Your emotional and mental health is important.
- It is normal to feel stressed or lonely, but there are some things you can do to feel better.
- Reach out to your usual support networks, like family and friends, and talk about how you feel.
- Try to keep to a routine such as having regular mealtimes, bedtimes and exercising.
- If you feel you are not coping, it is important to talk with a health professional. For support with grief, anxiety, distress, or mental wellbeing, you can call 0800 1814, to talk with a trained counsellor.
CAN I COMPLETE MY SUPERVISED QUARANTINE IN THE PA ENUA?
- No
- The Cook Islands Government wants to keep the Pa Enua COVID-19 free.
- Any person planning on travelling to the Pa Enua must arrange for accommodation to undertake supervised quarantine in Rarotonga. Should you require assistance arranging somewhere to undertake supervised quarantine in Rarotonga, please contact Te Marae Ora directly at the following;
- Email: [email protected] or Phone: Cook Islands +682 29 110
WHO PAYS FOR SUPERVISED QUARANTINE IN RAROTONGA?
You will be responsible for the cost of undergoing supervised quarantine in Rarotonga.
WHAT IF I START TO FEEL UNWELL?
If you start feeling unwell - including with symptoms of fever, a cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, runny nose or loss of smell - please remain in your home and contact health officials on 0800 1800 or 0800 1801.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 14 DAYS?
- Provided that you have tested negative for COVID-19 and you are not displaying any symptoms, your
- quarantine will end after 14 days and you can move around freely.
- If you test positive or start to show symptoms, then you may be subject to an Isolation Order and put into supervised isolation.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I RECEIVE A POSITIVE COVID-19 TEST IN RAROTONGA?
- A risk assessment will be undertaken for you and any persons that have been residing with you or who might have come into close physical contact with you.
- You and any other persons who are deemed to have come in close physical contact with you will be placed in supervised isolation/quarantine in a facility that will be determined by Te Marae Ora. Case and contact tracing procedures will follow.
- Te Marae Ora will advise and support you through this process
- Should you develop COVID-19 symptoms and require hospitalisation, you will be transferred to Rarotonga Hospital and admitted in the COVID-19 isolation ward.
WHO PAYS FOR SUPERVISED QUARANTINE / SUPERVISED ISOLATION IN RAROTONGA?
You will be responsible for the cost of undergoing supervised quarantine / supervised isolation in your home in Rarotonga. If you require hospitalisation, Te Marae Ora will cover your hospitals costs (if you qualify).
AFTER SUPERVISED QUARANTINE
WHAT IF I FEEL UNWELL?
- Contact 0800 1800 or 0800 1801 if you begin to feel unwell.
- The symptoms of COVID-19 may include a new or worsening cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, coryza (head cold e.g. runny nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip), anosmia (loss of sense of smell).
- Some may experience symptoms such as only: fever, diarrhoea, headache, myalgia, nausea/vomiting, or confusion/irritability.
HOW CAN I CONTACT EMERGENCY SERVICES?
- You can call emergency services on 999 if you have a health, police or fire emergency.
- If you need to call emergency services, please let them know you are currently in supervised quarantine in Rarotonga.
HOW CAN I CONTACT SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES?
For all social welfare queries, call the Ministry of Internal Affairs on 29370 8am - 4pm Monday - Friday or Email: [email protected]
IMPORTANT NOTE
Any person who is undertaking any international travel does so at their own risk and must be aware of travel restrictions imposed by other Countries. Cook Islands Government does not control the Immigration and entry requirements of other countries and will not be responsible for any travellers who fail to comply with these travel advisories. Also be mindful that given the nature of COVID 19, border restrictions may change at any time.
Disclaimer - These Frequently Asked Questions are a guide only. It should not be used as a substitute for legislation or legal advice. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Cook Islands Tourism Marketing Corporation and the Government of the Cook Islands are not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information presented here, or for any errors or omissions.
