A Rarotonga family has been ordered into compulsory supervised quarantine after the head of the family had unauthorised close contact with one of the people who returned from New Zealand on Friday.

It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart that I advise of the passing of our much-loved Dr Joe Williams MBChB, MPH, QSM, QSO.

Returning Cook Islanders and residents booked on the flight arriving this afternoon, must meet a number of strict conditions, including a negative test for COVID-19 and having an approved place to stay during their 14 days supervised quarantine.

Those arriving on the flight from Auckland on Friday 4th September, must have tested negative for COVID-19 before boarding, and undergo supervised quarantine in their pre-approved residence for 14 days in Rarotonga.

The Secretary of Health hereby issues a category quarantine order, in respect of all persons arriving in the Cook Islands on Friday 04 September 2020.

Cook Islands Cabinet met today and approved the continuation of the air border closure for inwards passenger travel, with exemptions, which include 14 days supervised quarantine on arrival.

Cabinet met today and decided to extend the temporary total air border closure for inwards passenger travel with no exemptions – effective from 11:59pm tonight until 11:59pm Sunday 30 August 2020 (CKT).