Tonga’s commercial banks will close tomorrow, April 9, due to severe Tropical Cyclone Harold, which is expected to close in on Tonga tonight. Meanwhile, the economic downturn is becoming more acute for Tonga due to CoViD-19, states a bank manager.
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Results for Tonga
Wednesday 8 April 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A storm force warning is in force for Tongatapu as severe Tropical Cyclone Harold was located 965km west north west of Nuku'alofa at 08:00am this morning and tracks closer, moving at a speed of 38km/hr.
Wednesday 8 April 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
With CoViD-19 we are reminded that viruses and germs cause sickness on a large scale and that hands are one of the leading transmitters of germs that cause respiratory infections, typhoid and diarrhoea. Thousands of children under five die in the Pacific each year from diarrhoeal diseases. Germs transmitted by hands play a large role in this type of death. By Otto ten Bosch, Matangi reader.
Tuesday 7 April 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Three CoViD-19 testing machines and 2000 test kits are expect to arrive in Tonga later this month, although it is still uncertain how they will get here. Meanwhile, the Health CEO warned against public scaremongering: "When people try to force authorities not to accept donations like PPEs to help us fight CoViD-19, it is like the public forcing someone to use a fork and spoon to fight a lion."
Tuesday 7 April 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The whole of Tonga is preparing to counter the impact of the CoViD-19. Hospitals in all island groups are training staff and preparing as best they can, while waiting for special medical equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), that they hope will arrive before the virus.
Tuesday 7 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A Tropical Cyclone Alert remains in force for Tongatapu, Ha’apai and ‘Eua as severe TC Harold moves towards Tonga. On its current track, it is expected to lie at about 120km south-west of Nuku'alofa, at around 7:00am on Thursday morning, as a Category 3 storm.
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Tuesday 7 April 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre was activated this morning as severe Tropical Cyclone Harold is expected to enter Tongan waters as a Category 3 storm by Thursday morning, April 9. UPDATED.
Monday 6 April 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
If one person has CoViD-19 in Tonga, the virus could be rapidly transmitted to hundreds of people due to our nature to socialize, warned the Minister for Health, Hon Dr 'Amelia Tu'ipulotu, today.
Monday 6 April 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
With CoViD-19 numbers climbing daily around the world, and the lack of PPE available worldwide, people can sew their own face masks as an added protection from spreading the virus. Studies show the effectiveness of different materials in blocking the virus.
Monday 6 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Three men were acquitted of possession of methamphetamine, after a Supreme Court judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to prove the charges against them.
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Sunday 5 April 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga Police made 118 arrests, including 16 for illicit drugs, during the first week of the national lockdown. Acting Deputy Police Commissioner 'Atunaisa Taumoepeau said on Friday that most people were respecting the lockdown under the state of emergency in support of the Ministry of Health, even though at times there had been vehicles queuing for a few kilometres at the main Tongatapu checkpoints.
Friday 3 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The allocation of $60 million for an Economic and Social Stimulus Package that was announced by the Prime Minister Hon. Dr Pohiva Tu‘i‘onetoa yesterday, 2 April “was not very smart” according to concerned Vaiola Hospital doctors, who believe we should be seriously preparing for the arrival of CoViD-19. Do we have 30,000 hospital beds? The answer, of course, is no. By Pesi Fonua.
Friday 3 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga's national lockdown was extended today for another week, effective Sunday, April 5 to April 12. Dr Reynold 'Ofanoa is urging passengers who arrived in Tonga on 19 March to contact the Ministry of Health as soon as possible.
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Friday 3 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga is one of 18 countries in the world that is CoViD-19 free as of today, 3 April, and 10 of these countries are located in the Pacific region.
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Friday 3 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Eight men were arrested on April 1 for possession of methamphetamine and cannabis, in a Tonga Police operation during the national lockdown.
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Friday 3 April 2020
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Canberra, Australia
The Australian Government is assisting Pacific Island countries, including Tonga, to prepare and prevent the spread of CoViD-19, and manage health and economic impacts.
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Thursday 2 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A $60 million pa'anga economic and social stimulus package to counter the impact of CoViD-19 was announced by the Tongan government today, 2 April. The package will provide short-term financial assistance for all sectors of the Tongan economy. Tonga expects fiscal deficits of $35m 2020 and $54m in 2021.
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Thursday 2 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
An appeal by a former police officer against her conviction for forgery was withdrawn during this year's Court of Appeal sitting on March 23.
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Thursday 2 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Methamphetamine and cannabis were seized from a home at Hala-'o-vave in ongoing drugs operation by Tonga Police.
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Wednesday 1 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga’s two weeks isolation from 23 March, in an effort to stop the CoViD-19 from entering the country, is buying time for Health authorities to prepare for a possible influx of the deadly virus when borders re-open. But there are mixed reactions from the community while Tonga remains in isolation from the world.
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Tonga weather forecast from yr.no, delivered by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the NRK. See also Fua'amotu Weather Forecasting Center, Tonga, for latest local weather bulletin.