Gov't still looking for a way out of China for Tongans [1]
Tuesday, February 4, 2020 - 19:31. Updated on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 - 19:32.
The Tonga Government stated today it has remained in regular contact with the students and sports team who remain in mainland China, due to cancelled flights, and that the Tongan Embassy in Beijing had guaranteed that they were well with the necessary supplies until they could depart China for Tonga.
“At present reports from the [Tongan] Embassy have guaranteed that the students and sports team are well.” the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.
“In light of the the closure and potential closure of the New Zealand and Fiji borders to travellers from mainland China, [Government] are working and looking at options for return the return of our Tongan nationals who are currently in China”.
They include 160 Tongan students and four sports teams, consisting of 51 athletes (including teenagers) and officials, in various locations.
“Government is gravely concerned with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus and the recent declaration made by the World Health Organization, on January 30.”
A taskforce comprising of key Government Ministries and chaired by the Minister for Health, assisted by the Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC); and Minister for Education and Training (MET) has been formed to determine the situation and necessary actions.
Today they issued a travel advisory requiring the need for self-quarantine for all foreign travellers originating from or transiting through China, who may be denied entry to Tonga. Tonga nationals will need to undergo quarantine with the Ministry of Health.
Government urged the public to assist and cooperate in its efforts to protect its borders.