Tonga's national lockdown to prevent CoViD-19 was eased on Sunday, April 12 after the Prime Minister said that the Ministry of Health confirmed no COVID-19 cases. However, borders remain closed while a curfew and ban on gatherings has been continued.

Prime Minister Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa made the announcement on Saturday night, April 11 after conferring with the Ministry of Health, that the remaining passengers who recently entered Tonga were “virus free.”

However, Government continues to be vigilant in its efforts to keep Tonga safe from the influx of COVID 19. To ensure this, the borders will remain closed unless reviewed, said the PM.

Tonga does not have a CoViD-19 testing facility.

Restrictions

A new restriction notice was made effective from 1:00am Sunday, April 12 to 8:00pm Friday, April 17.

A national curfew from 8:00pm to 6:00am will continue and people are instructed to continue social distancing by 1.5 metres at all times.

Bars and nightclubs remain closed, as well as mass gatherings, including church services, kava clubs, bingo, gyms and celebratory events such as birthdays and weddings.

For funerals there is a restriction of only 10 people allowed inside a house and 20 outside. An official must be present to observe this rule.

The Ministry of Health advises the public to always practice hygiene.

Schools resumed

Meanwhile, all schools resumed today, as well as all government offices and domestic travel (by air and sea).

Tonga invoked a Public Health Emergency Order on March 13, and the Declaration of an Emergency Notifiable Condition.

This was followed by the declaration of a State of Emergency on March 20, which gave government more power to enforce efforts to prevent or minimize the spread of the COVID-19 within Tonga.

Tonga was under lockdown for two-weeks, starting on March 29.