The first group of 26 Tongan athletes and officials have arrived in London today. The boxing and table tennis teams had been stranded in China following the outbreak of the coronavirus and the travel restrictions imposed.

Acting Minister for Health Hon Poasi Tei said today, the group are well and arrived safely, as relayed by Tonga's High Comissioner in London, Hon Fanetupouvava'u Tu'ivakano.

The final two teams consisting of 25 athletes and officials from swimming and weightlifting will depart China for London tomorrow, Tuesday, February 18.

Meanwhile, Tonga's High Commission in London has secured accomodation for the athletes and officials, where they are being kept under the medical supervision of Dr Faka'osi Pifeleti, on a self-isolation period of 14-days.

When they are cleared they will make their way home to Tonga, via Dubai and Auckland.

The Minister said, the boxing and table tennis teams were expected to depart London on March 3, arriving in Tonga on March 5.

The swimming and weightlifting teams are expected home on March 7.

Some of the athletes are young teenagers.

The evacuation of the Tongan sports teams to London was confirmed on February 15, when the Government of the United Kingdom approved the request from the Tongan Government.