Health diverts four cruise ships from Tonga [1]
Tuesday, March 3, 2020 - 18:23. Updated on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 - 10:14.
Four cruise ships have been told to stay away from Tonga this month under a diversion order issued today by the Ministry of Health.
Chief Executive Officer for Health, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola issued the order to prevent the introduction and spread of a controlled notifiable condition, or other significant threat to Tonga's public health.
“I have reasonable grounds to believe that it is necessary to divert them to a place outside of Tonga,” he said.
The diversion order applies to cruise ships, Maasdam, Silver Whisper, Artania and Carnival Spirit, which were expected to arrive on March 9 (x2), March 23 and March 31.
This is the second time cruise ships have been diverted this year.