Tonga’s Declaration of a State of Emergency has been renewed from 8:00pm today, Monday January 18 for another month, until 8:00pm Monday, February 15 due to the continuous spread of CoViD-19 around the world. 

The health State of Emergency was first declared by the Prime Minister, Hon. Rev. Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa on March 12, 2020 and has been renewed regularly since.

Curfew continues

At the same time, the CoViD-19 National restrictions, including the night-time curfew and social distancing requirements, including the number of people allowed to gather indoors and outdoors, and health guidelines for hygiene were also renewed.

Night-time curfews continue to be enforced from midnight to 5:00am by Tonga Police and HMAF.

Other Covid-19 restrictions also remain the same.

Handwashing remains an important part of disease prevention.

Steps to washing your hands properly:

1. Wet your hands with clean — preferably running — water.
2. Apply enough soap to cover all surfaces of your hands and wrists.
3. Lather and rub your hands together briskly and thoroughly. Make sure to scrub all surfaces of your hands, fingertips, fingernails, and wrists.
4. Scrub your hands and wrists for at least 20 seconds.
5. Rinse your hands and wrists under clean — preferably running — water.
6. Dry your hands and wrists with a clean towel, or let them air-dry.
7. Use a towel to turn off the faucet.