With Covid-19 community cases climbing in NZ, the Cook Islands remains at Alert Level 2 with a halt on incoming passenger air travel until at least Friday.

• The NZ Ministry of Health announced on Sunday 35 new cases, bringing the total to 107 as of 4:30pm Sunday.
• Cook Islands-NZ travel bubble halt extended until 11:59pm next Monday.
• Local health officials are continuing testing recent arrivals - both visitors and residents. Those who arrived between 2-16 August may be required to undergo a test. Prioritized screening of those who have been at a location of interest in New Zealand or showing Covid-19-like symptoms
• As of Friday evening, 1644 people have been tested both in Rarotonga and Aitutaki. 1613 tests have been returned, all negative according to Te Marae Ora.
• Outbound flights remain scheduled allowing Kiwi travelers and residents to travel to Auckland.

The travel bubble with New Zealand remains suspended as NZ officials continue reporting new Covid-19 community cases in New Zealand.

The latest total is 107. All are confirmed as the Delta variant.

Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health (TMO) is continuing to test recent arrivals and has resumed offering Covid-19 vaccinations.

Those who arrived between 2-16 August may be required to also undergo a test. Prioritized screening and assessment of high-risk persons are identified as those who have been at a location of interest in New Zealand or showing Covid-19-like symptoms.

Domestic travel to the Pa Enua from Rarotonga is suspended until Monday. Passengers from Pa Enua can return back to Rarotonga.