
Currently, due to the
ongoing situation regarding the Covid-19 virus, the FCO advice for
only essential travel, the widespread travel restrictions and
flight cancellations, we are only taking bookings if you wish to
travel from the autumn/winter 2020 onwards. With the
uncertainty around the world at present, the need to isolate and
preserve lives is paramount. Our thoughts are with those
affected by this virus, for our clients we are having to cancel
their Pacific holidays and for our island suppliers and partners
who are suffering terribly in these sad times. We sincerely
hope when things are better, and world travel is safe and allowed
again, you will still come to us for your paradise Pacific
trip.
As of 12th October 2020, many of
the Pacific islands of the South Pacific have not had any confirmed
cases of the COVID-19 virus. A few have had confirmed cases,
and these tend to be located on the main islands rather than the
smaller, outer islands. Most of the islands at this time, have had
no new cases for many days, sometimes weeks now, and most patients
with confirmed infection have either recovered or are still
recovering. Most Islands are now considered COVID-free.
However, there are a few with an increase in confirmed cases, one
of which is French Polynesia, where numbers have had gone up,
mainly due to several cases on a ship, the Paul Gauguin, as guests
were quaratined in a hotel in Tahiti, which has seemed to cause a
spike in cases around the area, mainly on Tahiti island itself.
As per WHO information, (which is
now show figures for weekly information, rather than daily), the
islands or transit countries that have had confirmed cases, as of
the last weekly compiled report up to 12th October 2020, are:
Australia |
|
105 new confirmed cases in last 7 days; 27,121 cases in
total; |
New Zealand |
|
21 new confirmed cases in last 7 days; 1498 cases in
total |
French Polynesia |
|
447 new confirmed cases in last 7 days; 2,026 cases in
total |
Fiji |
|
0 new confirmed cases for more than 21 days; 32 cases in
total |
New Caledonia |
|
0 new confirmed cases for more than 14 days; 27
cases in total |
Papua New Guinea |
|
8 new confirmed cases in last 7 days; 540 cases in
total |
Guam |
|
345 new confirmed case in last 7 days; 2,699 cases in
total |
Singapore |
|
115 new confirmed cases in last 7 days; 57,800 cases in
total |
South Korea |
|
480 new confirmed cases in last 7 days; 24,091 cases in
total |
|
|
|
However, all island nations are
implementing procedures to ensure visitors are free of the virus
before they are allowed to enter into the islands, especially for
those arriving passengers who have visited, passed through or
originate from a country with a high number of confirmed
cases. This may be requiring visitors who have not resided in
a non-infected area for 14 days or more prior to arrival into an
island nation to complete health questionaires or health inspection
on arrival or for travellers to obtain a health certificate
to confirm they are virus-free, and many now have a complete ban on
international travellers arriving from specified or all countries
as a temporary measure. When these restrictions will be
lifted is unknown, but it will be a gradual change, and we will
advise as we have more information.
For travellers from the UK, the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
has advice for each island nation as well as general travel
information regarding the COVID-19 virus and its effects for
travellers. The FCO guidlines at present are that UK
travellers should not travel outside of the UK unless absolutely
essential.
Many countries, including the UK at
present, have a high number of confirmed cases, which may affect
some UK travellers entering into Pacific island nations if your
arriving flight transits through one of these countries. Each
nation is deciding on it's own regulations that could change at any
time, without ANY advance notice. We
recommend travellers check the UK Government FCO Health and Entry
Requirements pages for the nation or country they wish to
visit. See links below:
FCO - FIJI; FRENCH POLYNESIA; NEW ZEALAND AND COOK ISLANDS; KIRIBATI; MARSHALL ISLANDS; MICRONESIA; NEW CALEDONIA; NAURU; PALAU; PAPUA NEW GUINEA; TONGA; SAMOA; SOLOMON ISLANDS; TUVALU; VANUATU; WALLIS AND FORTUNA ISLANDS; AUSTRALIA
South Pacific Tourism
Organisation consolidated Islands information - this page has
information regarding procedures implemented by Pacific island
nations, as well as links to health and Government information for
most of the Pacific islands, as published.
NEW ZEALAND
Arriving Passenger Information and Immigration Restrictions HERE
COOK ISLANDS
Arriving Passenger information and Immigration Restrictions HERE
FIJI Arriving
Passenger Information and Immigration Restrictions HERE and HERE
FRENCH POLYNESIA
Arriving Passenger Information and Immigration Restrictions HERE
KIRIBATI Arriving
Passenger Information and Immigration Restrictions HERE
MARSHALL ISLANDS
Arriving Passenger Information and Immigration Restrictions HERE
MICRONESIA
Arriving Passenger Information and Immigration Restrictions HERE
NAURU Arriving
Passenger Information and Immigration Restrictions HERE
PALAU Arriving
Passenger Information and Immigration Restrictions HERE
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Arriving Passenger Information and Immigration Restrictions HERE
TONGA Arriving
Passenger Information and Immigration Restrictions HERE
SAMOA Arriving
Passenger Information and Immigration Restrictions HERE
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Arriving Passenger Information and Immigration Restrictions HERE
TUVALU Arriving
Passenger Information and Immigration Restrictions HERE
Links below for offical information
pages which you may find useful:
FCO COVID-19: Latest
Information and Advice
FCO COVID-19: Guidance for
British Travellers
FCO Travel Corridor
(non-quarantine) Country information
NHS COVID-19 Overview and
Advice
NHS COVID-19 Advice for British Travellers
WHO Basic Protective
Measures and Advice
WHO Current Situation
Reports
Travel Health Pro Website
COVID-19 update
Australian Government Smart
Traveller website - COVID-19 update
It is understandable that people
may feel worried and anxious about the situation. It's a good idea
to get the facts to help accurately determine your risks so that
you can take reasonable precautions. Please see Public Health England or NHS websites for up to date information and
advice. For most people, COVID-19 causes a flu-like cough/cold-like
illness, or they can be asymptomatic and show no symptoms at
all. However, it can make some people very ill, as the virus
causes a pneumonia-type illness. sadly, in some cases, the disease
can be fatal. Older people, and those with pre-existing medical
conditions (such as high blood pressure, breathing or heart
problems, cancer, had an organ transplant or have diabetes) appear
to be more vulnerable and should isolate themselves from risk. To
help stop the spread of the virus, guidelines are to stay a minimum
of 2m/6ft away from anyone, or 1m/3ft with a mask or face covering,
especially those who appears to be unwell or with a cough.
Wash hands regulary with soap and water or alcohol/antibacterial
gels (if soap and water is not available), avoid touching face
(eyes, nose, mouth) to stop transferring bacteria from hands to
face and wear a mask or face covering when around other people.
Avoid kissing, hugging or shaking hands with people at
present. If you yourself are symptomatic (coughing, breathing
difficulties, raised temperature), self isolate yourself
immediately and call 111 (or local health authority if not in the
UK). Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, with
your arm/bent elbow, a tissue or handkerchief. Dispose of
tissues immediately and change handkerchiefs very regularly.
Updated Monday 12th October
2020