The national CoViD-19 restrictions are extended for another week to Friday, 1 May, the Prime Minister Hon Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa announced today, 24 April.

The extension under s.36-37 of the Emergency Management Act 2007 applies over all the land and seas of Tonga.

The restrictions include continuation of a national curfew from 9:00pm to 5:00am, enforced by Tonga Police, His Majesty’s Armed Forces and relevant authorised officers.

People can attend church services and church events on Sundays only, with Seventh Day Adventists allowed to gather from sunset on Saturday to sunset on Sunday.

For funerals, a total of 20 people can stay indoors and 40 people outdoors with an authorised officer to be present throughout. While liquor licensed night clubs, clubs, bars and kava clubs shall be closed.

Also prohibited are all events and gatherings such as bingo, sports clubs, gyms, sporting events and activities, celebration of birthdays, marriages and other recreational or related gatherings.

People are required to continue practicing social distancing of 1.5 metres from any person at all times and use protective clothing such as handkerchiefs, gloves, garments or equipment designed to minimise the risk of an infection where possible.

Personal hand hygiene should be practiced and people are to follow all Public Health Advisories issued by the Ministry of Health with regards to CoViD-19.

CoViD-19 testing equipment

Ministry of Health CEO, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola confirmed that the CoViD-19 testing kits arrived on an Air New Zealand flight yesterday and Tonga's CoViD-19 Testing Machine will be in operation soon.

He said Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) were also received, including some PPE from China.

Cyclone Harold damage

Meanwhile, the government estimates the cost for Tonga to recover from damage caused by Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold (Cat 4) to private and public properties is around USD$120 million.

Minister for MEIDECC Hon Poasi Tei said damage was widespread throughout Tonga, except for Vava'u and the Niuas.