Managed Return of Stranded Cook Islanders and Cook Islands Residents
11 October 2021 (CKT)
Kia Orana
Te Marae Ora (TMO) wishes to provide the following update:
As many of you are already aware, the first Cohort of 87 Cook Islanders and work permit holders stranded in New Zealand as a result of the current COVID-19 community outbreak, arrived in Rarotonga early last Thursday morning.
All who were tested returned a negative test result from their Day 1 test. They are being tested again today.
Meanwhile in Auckland as Cohort 2 prepares to return home, please be reminded that it is a requirement for all repatriated passengers, including those aged 0-24 months, to have a negative COVID19 test at day 12.
With the rise in the number of Pacific people becoming infected in Auckland, Te Marae Ora has reviewed its current testing guidelines. As a result, every passenger, no matter their age must be tested on Day 12 and must return a negative test result in order to return home this week.
Day 12 is Wednesday 13 October New Zealand time. This will complete the 3 negative test requirements prior to departure.
Anyone can be infected with COVID-19. The current outbreak has demonstrated that a number of infected with COVID-19 are young people. This testing will provide an additional assurance that COVID-19 does not enter the Cook Islands.
ENDS:
For more information, please visit www.health.gov.ck or contact Jaewynn McKay; jaewynn.mckay@cookislands.gov.ck +682 55486