The suspension of passenger travel to the Pa Enua, except Aitutaki, following Covid-19 cases on Rarotonga has been welcomed by the islands’ residents.

As a result of the new Covid-19 positive cases last Thursday, the suspension of passenger travel to the islands of: Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke, Mangaia, Manihiki, Penrhyn and Pukapuka has been extended until midnight tomorrow (Wednesday, February 23 2022).

Air and sea travel from Rarotonga to the islands of the Pa Enua (except for Aitutaki) have been restricted to pilots and crew for the purpose of transporting cargo to the specified Pa Enua and/or transporting passengers and cargo from the specified Pa Enua to Rarotonga, unless an exemption has been obtained from the Secretary of Health (or delegate).

The mayor of Manihiki, Ngamata Napara said they are pleased that Government closed the borders to the Pa Enua when the first positive Covid case was detected on Rarotonga on February 13.

“We (Island Governments) have already been in discussions with Government about the restriction of passengers travelling to the Pa Enua from Rarotonga when Rarotonga has its first Covid case, so we have been prepared for this,” said Napara.

There are a number of Manihiki residents who have been stuck on Rarotonga since the border closure, but Napara says, they have been patient and understand the travel restrictions.

“If everything goes well, we are expecting a flight later this week.”

Manihiki is expecting their first boat of cargo for this year on Thursday – the last boat that arrived to the island was on December 14, 2021.

“It’s been just over two months since we have had a boat deliver much needed supplies like petrol, oil, medical supplies, educational material and food stock, so we are all looking forward to the boat’s arrival.”

Napara would like to express thoughts of comfort and strength to the people of Rarotonga.

The island of Penrhyn has been going about their business as usual since the border closure.

Penrhyn’s executive officer Puna Vano said: “We believe Government have been very considerate of us in closing our borders to passengers from Rarotonga.”

Vano says the only few island residents he is aware of stuck on Rarotonga are on medical referral and a woman who has given birth.

The Penrhyn island residents are also looking forward to the cargo boat’s arrival on Friday, says Vano, adding “the kids are excitedly waiting for their goodies”.

Palmerston island executive officer Arthur Neale says the Pa Enua passenger border closure is a non-issue, “it is as a measure to keep us safe, and are only temporary”.

For Palmerston, Neale says it hardly has any impact and makes no difference to them, “as the only access transport we have is by shipping which could be anywhere from three to four months between ships in normal times – pre-pandemic”.

Palmerston people currently on Rarotonga will have to wait for the next available boat to send supplies home. Neale explained that “shipping delays is all part of the normal risk. In the best of times when you take a trip to Rarotonga, expect an absence of three to six months or more between ship trips”.

Neale says island residents on Rarotonga hoping to return to Palmerston will have to be patient and hope that there will be no further Covid-19 positive cases here in the weeks they are due to depart for the southern group island.

The mayor of Mitiaro, Makara Murare said they had also expected the closure of the borders and thanked the government and Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health for restricting passenger travel to the Pa Enua after Rarotonga detected Covid-19 positive cases.

“This matter has already been decided on,” Murare added.