Health
New travel bans stop locals returning home
Friday 28 February 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
Mark Serito was airborne over the Pacific last night, returning to his family in Cook Islands, when the Covid-19 travel ban was extended to 16 countries.
Health u-bend on faeces samples
Wednesday 26 February 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health
Unsafe food practices happening all over the islands, chefs’ representative warns.
Cruise ships 'safe'
Tuesday 25 February 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
The national tourism body has assured public that “due diligence is carried out” when cruise ship passengers enter the country.
Youngsters getting hooked on booze – expert
Friday 21 February 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
The Alcoholics Anonymous group is getting increased participation, amid fears about the impact of alcohol on young and old.
Food hygiene scores on the doors
Thursday 20 February 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Health
There are new calls by the hospitality industry to take food safety and hygiene seriously.
Chemical water trial is 'lawful'
Wednesday 19 February 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Government-owned water authority To Tatou Vai is pressing ahead with turning on the taps in trials of the new waterworks, even though the environmental impact of a new chemical has not yet been fully assessed.
'No borders for infectious diseases'
Monday 17 February 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Health
Call for World Health Organisation to be allowed free movement into Asia-Pacific countries to combat fast-spreading virus.
New dengue cases detected last month
Tuesday 11 February 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Eleven probable cases of dengue were reported last month, which is an increase from six cases in December, 2019, said the Ministry of Health.
Ban on China arrivals as coronavirus death toll increases
Wednesday 5 February 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health
Cook Islander who escaped China coronavirus lockdown applauds travel restrictions.
Rush on face masks as Cook Is officials warn of virus danger
Saturday 1 February 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Front desk staff at Rarotonga Hospital are now wearing face masks, despite senior doctors expressing concerns they might achieve little more than provoking undue public concern.
Quarantine for potential virus carriers
Thursday 30 January 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Health
Government has announced far-reaching restrictions on travel to and from China, in the hope of stopping the fast-spreading Wuhan coronavirus reaching these islands.
Airlines asked to act against coronavirus
Wednesday 29 January 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
The Prime Minister will meet with Cabinet today to discuss options to prevent the Chinese coronavirus from spreading or entering the country.
Govt may turn away Chinese travellers
Tuesday 28 January 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Health
Cabinet has a range of robust options on the table today, to combat the fast-spreading Wuhan coronavirus.
Cook Islands hope for the best, prepare for the worst
Monday 27 January 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Health
Public health officials have called a multi-agency meeting at Rarotonga Hospital’s new emergency centre this morning, to discuss a response to the fast-spreading Chinese coronavirus.
Virus hits Australia, Cooks get ready
Saturday 25 January 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Health
The first Australian case of Wuhan coronavirus has been confirmed, with a man being held under isolation in a Melbourne hospital.
Expat leaders back jab
Saturday 25 January 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Two expat communities are urging their country men and women to take part in the Ministry of Health’s MMR vaccination programme.
'It's only fair': Overseas workers must prove they are vaccinated
Friday 24 January 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Overseas workers must ensure they can prove they’re immunised against measles, or their work permits may not be renewed.
Airport is alert for new virus
Thursday 23 January 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the outbreak of a fast-spreading Chinese super-virus.
Weather hinders mosquito spraying
Monday 20 January 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Health
Spraying to protect school children from dengue hindered due to weather.
Stool sample 'not quite necessary'
Wednesday 15 January 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health
Chefs association wants food vendors to be educated and possibly certified in a graded system.