A travel schedule for a chartered flight to bring medical supplies from China has not been confirmed at this stage.

CEO for the Ministry of Health, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola said today, China plans to donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies. 

“However, the aircraft's arrival has not been confirmed. We have not received any confirmed travel schedule,” he said.

On concerns regarding a potential influx of the virus to Tonga on special flights, Dr 'Akau'ola said if the aircraft does arrive, its crew would not be in close liaison with people on the ground.

“They will wear PPE and Health staff will too, and authorized officers from the Ministry of Health will oversee processing”, he said.

Other conditions to be complied with include:

• There will not be any passengers coming from China in the flight to stay in Tonga.
• All aircraft crew will remain on the plane and will not be allowed to enter the airport terminal.
• There will not be any aircraft waste to be disposed here in Tonga.
• The sole purpose of the trip will be to bring PPEs and medical supplies for Tonga.

Dr 'Akau'ola said, he trusts the medical supplies expected from China because they meet the Chinese Government and WHO standards.

“There is a shortage of PPE at Vaiola Hospital and a donation like this could help ease that in Tonga's preventative measures,” he said.