More resident Cook Islanders, stranded in New Zealand since its border closure in March, are being repatriated today.
The first repatriation flight was last Friday.
It is understood there are more than 100 passengers being repatriated today and all of them have had to go through a Covid-19 medical clearance process and complete 14 days of supervised quarantine in Auckland.
Rarotonga airport Photo: RNZI Walter Zweifel
Cook Islands' principal immigration officer, Kairangi Samuela, said border agencies and airline representatives have been working together to improve the arrivals process for those being repatriated.
"It is important for us to maintain COVID 19 preventative and physical distancing requirements as well as manage our legal requirements for passenger and personnel safety," said Kairangi Samuela.
The returnees will be transported directly to the Edgewater Resort and Spa where they will undergo a further 14 days of supervised quarantine and medical clearance before they will be allowed to return to their families.
The acting secretary of health, Tereapii Uka, says this will complete the Te Marae Ora (TMO) two 14-day SQMC process that has been designed to minimise the risk of the SARS-CoV-2 virus being introduced into the Cook Islands.
"The Cook Islands was declared a COVID-19 free zone on 16 April 2020, and we want to ensure we maintain this status," Dr Uka said.
Pasifika Medical Association has booked the Holiday Inn, near Auckland International Airport, as a 14-day supervised quarantine camp for returning Cook Islanders. Photo: Cook Islands News
Families wishing to bring food or clothes for their loved ones are being advised to leave these at the drop-off location established at the Edgewater for delivery to rooms.
The Edgewater will accept drop-offs on Friday between 8am and 12noon, and from Saturday onwards from 8am-4pm daily.