Tonga's  Minister for Health, Hon Dr ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu has been hospitalized and is recovering well said Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola this morning at a press conference. He did not explain the reason for her admission to Vaiola Hospital.

The nature of the Minister's illness was not confirmed but Dr 'Akau'ola said he expected she would be back at work next week.

MEIDECC Minister Hon Poasi Tei is currently Acting Minister for Health.

57 quarantine passengers

Meanwhile, the 57 repatriated passengers who arrived from Fiji on July 11, can resume their normal lives starting today after completing an additional seven days of home quarantine with no symptoms recorded. This was after they had been quarantined at the Tanoa Hotel for two weeks.

Dr Reynold ‘Ofanoa said that the passengers were given release papers confirming they had tested negative for CoViD-19 three times, and completed their quarantine requirements in Tonga.

Health workers, police, and soldiers who assisted with the quarantine can also resume their normal lives.

Meanwhile, another group of front line workers are preparing to receive another 150 repatriated passengers scheduled to arrive in Tongatapu tomorrow from New Zealand.

This included an exercise drill held today at Fua’amotu International Airport and Taliai Military Camp to ensure procedures on health and logistics are in place.

Passengers will be split into two groups for quarantine, with one group staying at the Tanoa Hotel and the other at Taliai Military Camp for 14 days.

Social support

Social support will be provided to repatriated passengers while they are in quarantine, after some of the first group of repatriated passengers reported they found it difficult to stay in isolation for the 14 days.

Tonga Red Cross Secretary General, Sione Taumoefolau said they would set up a dedicated telephone line to provide this service.

This is to help alleviate home sickness and restlessness experienced due to being isolated or confined in a small space for a lengthy period of time.