CEO for the Ministry of Health, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola told Matangi Tonga this afternoon, that the Ministry of Health was establishing the health team at the airport, in collaboration with the Customs Department to monitor incoming passengers.

He said current travel advisories and public notices would be updated at a special meeting this afternoon.

He said they had previously issued measles prevention advisories to the public to reduce measles transmission. “Similar to what we plan for the novel corona virus outbreak prevention advice,” said Dr 'Akau'ola.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister Hon Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa in a press statement today, said he was informed that a Tongan sports teams, currently in China, are safe and well. 

They are expected to return to Tonga next week.

He said talks had been held with China’s Ambassador to Tonga and Tonga’s Ambassador in Beijing to ensure the sports team's safe return, and the well being of Tongan students studying in China.

Outbreak

Meanwhile, the coronavirus was identified in an outbreak of respiratory illnesses in Central China's Hubei province, in its capital city of Wuhan, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention [2] (CDC).

Symptoms of this virus include a fever, coughing, shortness of breath and other symptoms similar to a cold. The virus can cause lower respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. While some cases have reportedly brought nothing worse than a cold, other cases have had dire consequences.