It could be into the second week of May before the Cook Islands is ready for testing. A report from the Cook Islands says the country will not have a rapid Covid-19 testing facility in place before the tentative start date for two-way travel with New Zealand on May 1. The Cook Islands News says the government has called the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, laboratory as the gold standard for testing. RNZ There are fears the Cook Islands could lose 40 per cent of its workforce by the end of the year as locals flee to New Zealand in a bid to find work. READ MORE:* Cook Islanders already booking flights home amid criticism over travel bubble delay* A plea from the Cook Islands - open a travel bubble now* Cook Islands PM: 'Up to Kiwis' if they choose to visit from May 1But it could be into the second week of May before it's ready for testing, according to Te Marae Ora laboratory manager, Douglas Tou.

Source: Stuff April 12, 2021 22:30 UTC