Tonga’s State of Emergency that was due to end today at 8:00pm 17 May has been extended until 8.00pm 11 June 2020, the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Pohiva Tu‘i‘onetoa declared this afternoon 15 May 2020. The night curfew now starts at 10:00pm. Gyms and sporting events are permitted and some other restrictions have been eased, while the border remains closed.

The Prime Minister with the recommendation of the Minister responsible for Emergency Management declared the following COVID-19 Restrictions Notice that will be in effective from 8.00 pm Friday 15 May 2020 to 8.00 pm Friday 29 May 2020 and shall apply to the areas specified in the Renewal of the Declaration of a State of Emergency dated 15 May 2020, unless further renewal:

- Kava Clubs means: A group of two or more people consuming kava at a public location or a group of not more than four people consuming kava at a private location or residential household.

- Mass Gathering means any gathering not exceeding a total of 40 people indoors and 80 people outdoors in any gatherings except for Religious Services and Education Institutions.

- Social Distancing means keeping 1.5 meters distance from any other person at all times.

- Night-time curfews shall apply from 10.00pm to 5.00 am.

- Liquor licensed night clubs, clubs and bars shall open on Wednesdays to Saturdays.

- Lava Clubs shall open on Wednesdays to Saturdays.

- Preparatory kava sessions prior to church services shall be permitted on Sundays only.

- All gyms, sporting events and activities, celebration of birthdays, marriages and other recreational or related gatherings shall be permitted.

- All events such as bingo and contact sports shall be prohibited.

- A funeral gatherings shall be restricted to a total of 40 people indoors and 100 people outdoors with an authorised officer to be present throughout.

- All persons shall observe and promote social distancing at all times and shall use protective clothing where possible.

- All persons shall observe personal hand hygiene and shall follow all public Health Advisories issued by the Ministry of Health in relation to COVID-19.