Following on from Prime Minister Mark Brown’s statement earlier today, Te Marae Ora can confirm PCR COVID-19 tests have been carried out on 31 potential close contacts.  

All 31 tests have returned negative results. Te Marae Ora apologises in advance to those who are reading here that their result is negative. TMO will be calling you, but, possibly in the morning now.

None of the people tested today were symptomatic.

Following a review of the information acquired locally and from NZ Ministry of Health, it is very likely that the person contracted the virus whilst in Rarotonga. This indicates that there may be “silent transmission” occurring. Our high vaccination rates have played a role in terms of protection - in that people could get COVID but are experiencing mild symptoms and do not realise they have it.

The infected person was here for 8 days, is fully vaccinated and first developed symptoms in the early hours of Monday 7 February, the day they departed Rarotonga.

Locations of Interest

The locations of interest have been determined by the dates the case was likely to be infectious and are all on Rarotonga. The case did not visit any of the Pa Enua.

Friday 4 February, Trader Jacks at 23.30pm (tagged in);

Saturday 5 February,  Rehab Nightclub 00.42am (tagged in);

Saturday 5 February, Island Night at the Edgewater Resort between 7pm and 9.30pm;

Monday 7 February, Mareko (town) between 8.45am and 9.10am.

Te Marae Ora is asking anyone who was at any those places around those times and who has developed flu like symptoms, like a headache, a sore/scratchy throat, fever, or body aches, to please come to the drive through testing station at Tupapa Public Health tomorrow, Sunday, 13 February between 9am and 3pm and get tested.

The process of identifying locations of interest and contract tracing is greatly enhanced when people use CookSafe and tag-in everywhere they go.

READ MORE:

• Omicron ‘likely in our community’ says PM Brown

Te Marae Ora would like to stress to everyone how important it is to incorporate public health measures like tagging in, wearing masks outside of your home, physical distancing, and good hygiene into your daily routines.

Te Marae Ora would also like to remind everyone that masks are to be worn in Churches, restaurants, nightclubs – anywhere that people gather inside a building.

The Cook Islands Police will be monitoring venues this evening and TMO Public Health Officers will be doing the same tomorrow, checking that existing regulations and protocols are being adhered to.

The public is also reminded that they should not spread misinformation. To do so could amount to a criminal offence under the Covid-19 Act.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call 56180 or 57486. Calls will be answered 24/7.