NZ repatriation list of passengers finalized today [1]
Wednesday, July 29, 2020 - 18:46. Updated on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 - 18:47.
Five health teams are continuing to monitor the 57 passengers that were repatriated from Fiji to Tonga over two weeks ago, while they are self-quarantining at their homes.
Minister for Health, Hon Dr ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu said as of this morning everything was going fine, and the passengers would end their home quarantine on Sunday, August 2.
Meanwhile, the Tanoa Hotel is closed for three-days, while work is underway to clean and sanitize the area in preparation for the next lot of quarantined passengers.
The Minister said the list of passengers to be repatriated from New Zealand on August 4 was expected to be finalized today.
“There was no Cabinet meeting yesterday, and the list of passengers is being finalized today and should be ready by tomorrow.”
Passengers include doctors, nurses, police, soldiers, public servants including one Government CEO, who all remain on the government pay roll.
Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola said they are a priority and are needed in Tonga to support the repatriation work.
Seasonal workers
Seasonal workers who are experiencing social issues and stranded travelers are also included.
“Stranded travelers are currently being supported by the New Zealand Government, such as extending their visas and providing food.”
He said Tongans with health problems who had been treated in New Zealand were also considered.
"Tongans who need to be treated overseas can go to New Zealand. New Zealand accepts this under humanitarian conditions."
Other countries
There are also Tongans being treated in India who need to be returned, including some in Hawaii.
“These issues will be looked at by Cabinet as this is a different problem. Another committee may be set up specifically to look at how to return people who were treated overseas. But this needs to be looked at properly because people who were brought back from India to Fiji were the ones with the virus, so it is an important area to look at,” he said.
Dr Reynold ‘Ofanoa said that a third quarantine facility being looked at is 'Atele Indoor Stadium.
Members of the shelter cluster were looking at what is needed for the stadium to be used as a quarantine facility, he said.