Travel Advisory – Kaongora Newsletter

Kiribati extends border closure

March 15, 2021 by Taare Rikiai

The Government of Kiribati has officially declared a further extension of its border closure in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

This new extension will remain effective until the end of June 2021 when another review is expected to take place for further determination of Kiribati’s border settings.

During this extension period, special approvals can be obtained for humanitarian flights to transport essential equipment, medical supplies and for the conduct of medevac operations.

Government’s Repatriation Taskforce that oversees the repatriation of Kiribati nationals abroad will continue to plan and facilitate repatriation exercises to bring back all I-Kiribati stranded. The Taskforce is also coordinating with relevant Ministries to mobilize Kiribati students to commence their studies at tertiary level in Fiji alongside key workers and other members of the travelling public.

Standard Operational Procedures that seek to safeguard the public from the potential entry and transmission of COVID-19 will remain in force for all incoming travellers including a mandatory quarantine of 14 days at the Government-designated facility on South Tarawa. This has proven helpful to the Government’s effort to maintain Kiribati’s COVID-19 free status.

The provision of medical supplies and cargoes will also continue under the established COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols to ensure necessary support is provided to strengthen the national health system and to address people’s needs.

The Government acknowledges the dedicated service of all frontline workers and all who are involved in the success of repatriations to date and continues to appeal to the general public and Kiribati’s development partners for their continued cooperation, support and understanding to ensure the necessary arrangements are strictly followed so that risks are managed and the health safety of all is not compromised.

Kiribati Extends Border Closure to End of February 2021

February 3, 2021January 13, 2021 by George Kumkee

The Government of Kiribati has officially declared a further extension of its border closure in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Government advises that this extension will remain effective until the end of February 2021 where it will be further reviewed. Special approval is required for humanitarian flights to transport essential equipment, medical supplies, and medevac operations.

In addition, Kiribati nationals travelling back on government arranged repatriation flights can enter Kiribati. A Repatriation Taskforce setup by Cabinet has been planning recent repatriation exercises to bring back all I-Kiribati stranded overseas since November last year.

The Taskforce is currently working with partners and neighbouring countries to repatriate remaining stranded nationals and Seafarers who have been affected by the border closures as a result of the pandemic.

The undertaking is being conducted in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures that seek to safeguard the public from the potential entry and transmission of COVID-19. All repatriated nationals would be required to undergo mandatory quarantine at a Government-designated facility on South Tarawa.
Throughout the repatriation period, Kiribati borders will remain closed to foreign nationals unless specific directions are given to enable critical and lifesaving operations and activities in Kiribati. During the border closure, the provision of medical supplies and cargoes will continue under the established COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols to ensure necessary support to strengthen the national health system and to support the needs of the people.

The Government continues to appeal to the general public and Kiribati’s development partners for their continued cooperation, support and understanding to ensure the necessary arrangements are strictly followed so that risks are managed and the health safety of all is not compromised. (source: Office of Te Beretitenti)

Rate and Revenue Management Virtual Workshop for Tourism Operators

June 30, 2020 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati conducted a Virtual Workshop for Tourism Operators on Rate and Revenue Management at the Vodafone Boardroom today, the 30th June 2020.

The virtual workshop was facilitated by Mr. Warwick McCormark – Founder and International Director at Learn, Fast Centre Auckland, New Zealand.

The workshop covered rate and revenue, with emphasis on how local operators can creatively develop alternative products and pricing in the current business environment. It also highlighted the human resource management challenges that COVID-19 presents and how businesses can handle this in a more humane and financially viable manner.

Participants were from South Tarawa, North Tarawa and Abaiang whilst the Ministry of Internal Affairs represented the islands council accommodation in the outer islands.

The workshop is part of TAK’s strategy to strengthen local capacity during this quiet business period.

17/03/20 UPDATE – KIRIBATI HEALTH TRAVEL ADVISORY & RESTRICTIONS IN RELATION TO THE 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID -2019)

March 30, 2020March 17, 2020 by George Kumkee

All travellers FROM and TO KIRIBATI (Tarawa and Kiritimati) are advised to take note of the following:

Citizens and residents of Kiribati who are planning to travel to areas and territories in countries with sustained transmission are recommended to avoid non-essential travel.
In the event that travel cannot be postponed; preventive measures should be adhered to at all times.
In case of symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness before travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and advise about travel restrictions.
In case of symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness during and after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share travel history with health care providers.
A Health Arrival Form is to be filled out by all incoming travelers upon arrival to Kiribati through Tarawa and Kiritimati.
All incoming international travelers will be subjected to temperature check upon arrival to the international airports and seaports in Kiribati.
All Travelers from areas and territories in countries with local transmission11 of novel coronavirus must spend 14 days2 in a country free of the COVID-2019, and to provide a medical clearance after the 14 days to confirm and/or prove this coronavirus free status. Exemptions for medical clearance can be considered for transit passengers and those who come from the Countries NOT listed in this travel health advisory (THA).
In the event that travelers arrive earlier than the required 14-day-period, health quarantine measures may be applied and deportation to the country of travel origin would be considered depending on the health status of the individual.
Such travel advisory applies to all travelers including returning residents as the country has highly vulnerable group (high incidence of NCDs) of COVID-19 and also the absence or limited capacity of clinical management and ability to contain the virus if introduce.
The 14 days quarantine implies that traveling can only be on the 15th day onwards
Exemptions for medical clearance can be considered for transit passengers that are coming from the Countries NOT listed in this health travel advisory (HTA).
In the event that travelers arrive earlier than the required 14-day period, health quarantine measures may be applied and deportation to the country of travel origin would be considered, depending on the health status of the individual.
Such travel advisory applies to all travelers including returning residents as the country has highly vulnerable group (high incidence of NCDs) of COVID-19 and also the absence or limited capacity of clinical management and ability to contain the virus if introduced.

THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL COME INTO FORCE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
All travelers are required to comply with the required preventive measures.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

At all times:

Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections
People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing and wash hands)
Avoid contact with animals (alive or dead), visiting animal markets, and purchasing products thatcome from animals (such as uncooked meat).
Wash hands often with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Older travelers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to affect areas and territories with their health care provider.
In order to minimize the risk of transmission, people travelling to the affected area should maintain good hand and personal hygiene.
Travelers should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days if visiting any other affected countries or countries with local transmissions, informing their health
service prior to their attendance about their recent travel to the affected country.
Self-Quarantine at home to minimize spread of infection

These measures are being undertaken to protect Kiribati from the introduction of this infection into our communities.

For more information contact Mrs Kaaro Neeti (Secretary, MHMS) on (686) 74028100 extension 202; or (686) 73072357 or Director of Public Health 73058772, or Deputy Director of Public Health 73007258

In updates on Confirmed Countries with COVID 19:

According to WHO there are 159 countries, areas or territories with confirmed cases. From the 159 countries, territories and areas, 82 countries have been confirmed for local transmission cases of the COVID19: