Preparations get Tonga ready to combat CoViD-19 should it reach the kingdom, are progressing slowly.

Construction of the laboratory where Tonga's CoViD-19 testing machines will be used was delayed due to a technical issue, Dr Siale 'Akau'ola said yesterday.

He explained at a press conference on 18 May, that the two PCR machines bought specifically for CoViD-19 requires a testing laboratory at a higher standard than what is currently in Tonga. He said the work should have been done by an expert from overseas as this work is new to Tonga [and the borders are closed], but the techical issue had now been sorted.

There were also delays to some Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other equipment orders.

He did not say when the CoViD-19 testing would be operational in Tonga.

Mu'a

The renovation work has been completed at the Health Centre at Mu’a, where people who are confirmed or suspected of CoViD-19 will stay. The centre is being fitted out by the Ministry of Health, and they are waiting for an oxygen generator, which has been ordered from overseas for one of the rooms.

While lots of personal protective equipment (PPE) gear such as masks and gloves had been received, the Ministry of Health still needs more gowns and overalls.

Dr 'Akau'ola said there is a supply shortage worldwide but they were hoping to get some supplies from the New Zealand Government.

Quarantine

Meanwhile, Dr 'Akau'ola said the Ministry is working on a policy submission on quarantine facilities where all incoming passengers will stay for 14 days once Tonga opens its borders.

They also need to finalise which countries they will open borders to and how many passengers will be allowed in.

Dr 'Akau'ola also suggested young people (low risk) would be allowed to come to Tonga and that older people, who are in the high risk group, should not travel anywhere for at least a year.

CoViD-19 restrictions

Meanwhile the CoViD-19 restrictions in Tonga have been extended to 29 May and have been eased while Tonga remains CoViD-19 free.

One of the reasons the restrictions have been eased slowly is to ensure people get used to this behavior so they are prepared should the virus reach Tonga, he said.

“If we let things go back to normal, people tend to forget how to behave, so easing restrictions slowly is so people understand that they still need to behave in a certain way.” 

“When we open our borders, and CoVid-19 reaches here, then people already know how to respond and what to do,” he said. “Unfortunately, the economy will suffer.”

Changing behaviour

Health teams have been surveying clubs, nightclubs, bars, and kava clubs to ensure they have been complying with CoViD-19 requirements such as hand hygiene and social distancing.

Dr 'Akau'ola said around 67% of kava clubs have been complying and some have even put in their own procedures such as how to prepare kava in a hygienic way.

He was pleased that some kava clubs also ran CoViD-19 training sessions for their members before drinking kava.

“So, that’s what we want. They have already adapted to this new behaviour and they are teaching others.”

He said bars could also contribute to changing people's behaviours, citing examples such as not selling alcohol to anyone that’s intoxicated, or driving their customers straight home like they do overseas.

“Bar owners need to adapt to this new environment. We are not fighting them, we are trying to work with them.”

Crime reduction

Another reason restrictions are being eased slowly is because of key data showing more than 40% reduction in accidents and violent convictions since the restrictions began. This also convinced decision makers to continue the restrictions since there have been major incidents related to drinking.

“So that was very strong data that came out although it is a social issue, it is not a health-related issue,” said Dr ‘Akau'ola.

The current restrictions which have been extended to 29 May, include a national night-time curfew from 10pm to 5am, mass gatherings limited to 40 people indoors and 80 outdoors, and nightclubs, bars, clubs, and kava clubs can operate from Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Meanwhile all gyms, sporting events and activities, celebration of birthdays, marriages and other recreational or related gatherings are allowed. But bingo and contact sports are still prohibited.

People are required to observe and promote social distancing at all times, use protective clothing, and practice personal hand hygiene at all times.