Tonga’s swimming and weightlifting teams arrived in London this morning (Tongan time) after being stranded in China since 28 January, due to travel restrictions imposed following the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The 25 athletes and officials were met at the airport by Tonga’s High Commissioner in London, Hon Fanetupouvava’u.

Vila Day, the mother of swimmer, Noelani, told Matangi Tonga this morning, 19 February, she is “just happy they have arrived safely to London”.

The first group of 26 athletes and officials in boxing and table tennis arrived in London on 17 February.

The sports group will be kept under quarantine of self-isolation for 14 days, under the medical supervision of Dr Faka'osi Pifeleti.

Once the teams are cleared to depart London after quarantine, they will make their way to Tonga via Dubai and Auckland.

The boxing and table tennis teams are scheduled to leave London first on 3 March, arriving in Tonga on 5 March. The swimming and weightlifting teams will follow and are expected to arrive in Tonga on 7 March.

Tongans who are still in China include 49 students, 26 Tongan nationals, including those who work at the Tongan Embassy in Beijing, their spouses and children. Also still in China are an unconfirmed number of Chinese Tongans.