The COOK ISLANDS PROMISE is our joint commitment to protect all Cook Islands residents, and international visitors from the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus widely known as COVID-19. While we are confident to reopen our borders to New Zealand, we must emphasise to all our visitors, and to tourism operators, the importance of applying pragmatic physical distancing and good hygiene measures.
Kia Orana to Everyone!
We cordially welcome you to our little paradise. We are proud to be able to reconnect with our visitors, welcome family and friends and share our authentic culture and pristine environment. With sustained efforts, we declared the Cook Islands a COVID-19 free zone on the 16 April 2020.
The Cook Islands Promise is a joint commitment between hosts and guests to safeguard the health of our island communities and our visitors. The actions of our promise will endeavor to keep the Cook Islands safe. I urge all our visitors to honour your part of our promise and enjoy a safe and enriching experience.
Kia Manuia
Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown
BEFORE YOU DEPART, WE RECOMMEND
See your usual GP for a health check if you feel unwell, ensure you have your medicine supplies
Check for possible airport delays e.g. exit health screening times
Bring your own snorkel gear or consider buying locally
Obtain details for your contactless check in
Contact Tracing in the Cook Islands
CookSafe and CookSafe+ are the official contact tracing systems as part of the national effort to protect the Cook Islands from COVID-19. If a COVID-19 case is identified, the Ministry of Health will be able to trace people who may have been exposed to the virus through the process of contact tracing. We encourage visitors and residents to register for a CookSafe QR Card and tag in at participating locations, and download the CookSafe+ contact tracing app as an added layer of protection. By participating in both our contact tracing systems, you are playing your part to keep both yourself and the Cook Islands safe.
WHAT IS COOKSAFE?
CookSafe issues registered users with a unique QR Card that is used to tag in at CookSafe stations. You can register and collect your CookSafe QR Card from; Rarotonga International Airport upon arrival, Tourism Visitor Information Centre in town, and Chamber of Commerce or Prime Foods. To use your CookSafe QR Card, you simply tag in by scanning your QR card into a tag in station. You can find a CookSafe tag in station set up at the entry or front counter of participating locations. The data collected is confidential and only accessible by the Ministry of Health for contact tracing purposes.
WHAT IS COOKSAFE+?
CookSafe+ is a contact tracing app which uses smartphone Bluetooth technology to register other CookSafe+ App users and NZ Covid Traver App users in your vicinity. Although the NZ Covid Tracer App will work in the Cook Islands, we encourage you to download and use the CookSafe+ App when you visit. The CookSafe+ App will send you an alert if you have come into contact with another app user who tests positive for COVID-19. Once you have turned CookSafe+ Bluetooth tracing on, it works by sending out a private and secure random ID code to nearby phones. The data collected is confidential and only accessible by the Ministry of Health for contact tracing purposes.
WHILST ON ISLAND, WE RECOMMEND
Please practice pragmatic physical distancing at all times
Consider wearing a face mask if you have a cough or are in crowded spaces
Wash hands regularly with soap and water
Sanitise your hands regularly
Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm
Avoid touching your face, eyes and mouth with unwashed hands
Stay in your accommodation if you have a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or sore throat
Please adhere to public health messages and measures
Register to receive your CookSafe QR code upon arrival
Download and use the CookSafe+ Bluetooth tracing app
If you feel unwell after arriving please advise your accommodator immediately. For those requiring medical advice or attention, call Healthline on 0800 1800. Calls are free of charge.