Media Release

The government has introduced new legislation which provides the legal framework necessary to facilitate the national response to prevent, limit or mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and its effects.

The Cook Islands will move to Code Yellow alert at 6pm Wednesday 25 March as the country implements its COVID-19 emergency response plan.

Te Marae Ora has sent over 80 COVID-19 swab tests to NZ for analysis. So far 11 results have tested negative for COVID-19. The first wave of results include one of the three persons of interest being monitored by Te Marae Ora
There remains no known cases of COVID-19 in the Cook Islands

As the global situation surrounding COVID-19 evolves rapidly, the government is elevating its preparedness by implemented a series of more strict travel conditions for residents and visitors.

Three persons of interest are being actively monitored by Public Health officials: one is in hospital, two are in supervised quarantine.
Te Marae Ora is implementing COVID-19 protocols while awaiting test results.
These persons of interest underline the critical importance of social distancing and self-isolation and quarantine measures, says Health officials.

The Tupapa Clinic will now provide emergency medical care – the hospital’s emergency department is now closed. The ‘coughs and colds’ flu clinic at Tupapa has closed with immediate effect. If you require medical advice or attention free call 29667.

Domestic travel restrictions drafted by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19
come into force on Saturday March 21, 2020. The regulations restrict travel between Rarotonga and the Pa Enua (outer islands).

Stringent border measures are in place to protect the people of the Cook Islands from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The controls in place create three “ecosystems”: Rarotonga and New Zealand, the Pa Enua, and the rest of the world.

Cabinet convened a special meeting today to review the Cook Islands’ response to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).