Fifty volunteers from Tonga Red Cross took part in the second CoViD-19 repatriation drill yesterday in Tongatapu.

MEIDECC stated that the drill included processes to follow if a suspect case is identified at Fua’amotu International Airport.

The mock passengers filed through customs with only one piece of cabin luggage and/or one piece of check in luggage, as staff played out their respective roles.

After clearing customs, the passengers were required to carry their luggage to the buses and were transported to  the quarantine location at Tanoa Hotel, Nuku'alofa.

Passengers also went through procedures at the hotel.

Ministry of Health CEO, Dr Siale ‘Akau'ola told Matangi Tonga this afternoon that yesterday’s drill went well.

“Report and lessons learned will be presented tomorrow at the NEMC [National Emergency Management Committee] meeting. A decision will then be made on what’s next.”

The first CoViD-19 repatriation drill was held last week as part of preparation for the first actual repatriation flight from Auckland, which is expected to be in July.