Cabinet to update travel restrictions this week

Government will be updating the travel restrictions to Niue.

This has been confirmed by the Minister of Health Billy Talagi in an interview with BCN News. 

Speaking in Vagahau Niue,his address was to reassure the community of the work already in place by the Health Department and the Government to prepare for COVID-19. He encouraged the people to continue to listen in for updates from the Health department and not to be distracted by some of the information on social media especially when those information may not be from credible sources. 

BCN News understands that the update to the travel restrictions this week is to include Australia on the list of banned countries, which already includes; Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. Travel from these countries can only be allowed with Government authorization.

Meanwhile, following the awareness sessions held for the communities Director General of Social Services Gaylene Tasmania told BCN News most people are worried that those who get infected by coronavirus are going to pass away.

However she says 80 percent of cases are mild and these people recover. 

The Director General emphasized the importance for people to follow good practices of maintaining good hygiene, good health, washing hands regularly with soap and water, cough and sneeze etiquette and avoiding being in close contact with the sick. 

The New Zealand authorities provides exit screening at the Auckland borders, people showing symptoms will not be allowed to board the air crafts. 

In Niue there are strict measures at the Port. Cruise ships are no longer allowed entry. However the cargo boat is still allowed entry to provide goods for the country.

At the Hanan international airport, officials are checking people’s travel history and are not allowing people from identified affected countries to enter Niue.