As of January 22, Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health reported eight Covid-19 cases.

Health Ministry secretary Bob Williams said from the eight cases, six are still active.

He said Rarotonga has four cases, Aitutaki, one, and Mangaia, one.

Williams confirmed that those cases all have mild conditions and there have been no hospital admissions.

The ministry has called on the public to use the Covid-19 test kits that are made available at five community health clinics from Monday to Friday for free. 

The ministry said that despite Covid being normalised in the Cook Islands, it is strongly recommended that those with flu like symptoms test themselves using the available kits from the medical centres.

If you have tested positive, then you must call the number 56180.

TMO said that over the past two months, Covid cases have increased in Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

“Underreporting of infectious diseases is a global issue, and this can be contributed to many reasons i.e. thoughts that COVID-19 is no longer an issue just like the flu, fear especially if you are travelling that you may be stopped, restrictions to go places.

Reporting would help the ministry understand the “disease burden” this may have on society i.e doctor visits, hospitalisations, people not attending to work due to being sick.

And it helps determine which variant of COVID-19 is circulating in the community.

Earlier this year, the ministry raised concerns about people becoming complacent towards Covid safety measures.

The ministry advises that those who test positive for Covid should self-isolate, take medication, drink plenty of water, and get sufficient rest.

Last year (2023), there were a total of 445 Covid cases, with 342 first infections and 103 re-infections.