9 May 2023 (CKT)
Kia Orana,
On Friday 5 May 2023, Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that the spread of Covid-19 is no longer a global public health emergency.
Since March 2020, the Cook Islands successfully responded to COVID-19 placing the safety of our people at the forefront. The Cook Islands to date have recorded 7,062 positive cases, 7,059 recovered and 2 related deaths.
Although COVID-19 is no longer considered a health emergency globally, like the Cook Islands we continue to record a small number of positive cases. Many countries are still experiencing deaths with noted increase in numbers of reported positive cases.
The Cook Islands reported COVID-19 cases has certainly eased, however we must remain vigilant and cautious in keeping ourselves safe. We encourage the community to continue to test if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, report to Te Marae Ora if tested ‘positive’ for COVID-19 and practice Public Health measures where or if required.
Travel advisory
From 9 May 2023, all travellers into and out of the Cook Islands are still encouraged to wear facemasks for personal protection and also to practice other public health measures such as hand hygiene and self-distancing.
Te Marae Ora, Ministry of Health will continue to monitor ‘what is happening’ abroad and ensure we are equipped to implement further measures if warranted. For further information on COVID-19 please call 29114 (Health Intelligence Unit) or 56180 after hours.
For more information visit:
www.covid19.gov.ck
ENDS