Tonga’s Declaration of a State of Emergency due to COVID-19 has been renewed from 8:00pm July 5 to 8:00pm August 2.

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

The declaration applies to all the land and sea areas of Tonga, and is enforced by the Ministry of Police and His Majesty's Armed Forces.

National COVID-19 restrictions

Meanwhile, the National COVID-19 Restrictions Directions still applies, including night-time curfews from midnight to 5:00am.

Mass gatherings are not to exceed a total of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, except for religious services and education institutions. Funeral gatherings are also restricted to a total of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors with an authorised officer to be present throughout.

Social distancing of 1.5 meters from any person should be practiced at all times, and all persons are to observe personal hand hygiene and follow all Public Health Advisories issued by the Ministry of Health in relation to COVID-19.

The restrictions were issued by Lord Fielakepa who is the Chief of the Defence Staff for HMAF and currently Acting Commissioner of Tonga Police.