Tonga Lockdown from 29 March to 5 April [1]
Friday, March 27, 2020 - 19:15
Tonga will undergo a national Lockdown from 1am Sunday 29 March, to 1am Sunday 5 April, the Prime Minister, Hon. Rev. Dr Pohiva Tu’I’onetoa announced yesterday evening 26 March in a Press Conference at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre.
During this one week lockdown Tonga will be nervously waiting for the outcome of two Corona Virus specimens, among eight that had been forwarded to Australia for testing.
According to the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu, six of the specimens were tested Negative, and “we are still waiting for the other two.”
The eight Suspected Corona Virus carriers, arrived on the last international flight to Tonga on 21 March, before Tonga started a two weeks Isolation period from 23 March to 6 April.
The fortnight of isolation was to enable government to set up essential measures, including equipment for testing in Tonga for CoVID-19 and protective clothing for heal workers and to train more people for the response.
During this coming week of a National Lockdown 29 March to 5 April movement within Tonga will be further restricted:
All persons shall be required to isolate at home, unless for the purpose of:
- Purchasing or supplying of essential soncumer goods for their families
- Obtaining medical supplies or seeking medical assistance
- Access to banking and other financial services
- Attending work as a member of an essential service provider.
There will also be a night-time curfews from 8pm to 6am.
- All domestic public transportation shall cease to operate, excepting for government essential services.
- All liquor licensed bars, restaurants, night clubs, retail bottle shops and liquor manufacturers shall be closed.
- All licensed businesses and business activities shall be closed except supermarkets and retail shops selling essential needs.
- All public facilities, events and gatherings such as education institutions religious, kava clubs, bingo, sports clubs, gyms, sporting events and activities, celebration of b9rthdays, marriages and other recreational or related gatherings shall be prohibited.
- A funeral gathering shall be restricted to a total of 10 people indoors and 20 people outdoors with an authorized officer to be present throughout.
- Talamahu Market and the Fish Market at Faua will also close.
All essential services and related activities shall be exempted from the application of this Notice.
The penalty for not following the laws, according to the Director Attorney General, for obstructing an officer on duty is five years in jail or a fine of $50,000.