Tongans returning from U.S. stranded in Fiji [1]
Thursday, May 6, 2021 - 18:14
A group of around 40 Tongans who returned from the United States via Fiji are being assisted financially by the Tongan Government, after their repatriation flight to Tonga was postponed, due to the rising COVID-19 community transmission there.
MEIDECC CEO Paula Ma'u stated today that because they have no where stay after their quarantine, Cabinet yesterday approved to send them financial assistance for hotel accomodation, as they wait on a flight home.
This is the first group of returning Tongans from the United States that the Fijian Government approved to be quarantined in Nadi.
Meanwhile, Fijian media reported that a Tongan person had contracted the COVID-19 virus there. This person is reported to be quarantined there, according to the Fiji's Government and Ministry of Health regulations. It is not clear whether or not the Tongan was destined for Tonga or living in Fiji.
No other details were available.
Tonga's Ministry of Health is monitoring the situation in Fiji, said Paula.
The Fiji flight which was initially scheduled to arrive this week had been postponed, due to the rising community transmission in Fiji.