By Eleanor Gee

A container of 200,000 N95 masks from Australia has been welcomed by the Ministry of Health today, 31 August 2021.

Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola was happy with the donation.

“The N95 masks are the best type of masks. And the material can filter out the virus. You can even use that to protect against the delta.” Delta is a variant of COVID-19 that spreads easily.

Acting Medical Superintendent, Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola tried on one of the masks and was very pleased with the soft material and how well it fit.

“It’s not like the surgical masks. We have N95, but they are very bulky and hard to wear.”

Pharmacist, Leva’itai ‘Asaeli, who is in charge of storing the masks, thanked Australia for the donation.

“These masks are a very good quality. Tonga did not have to pay for these masks and we are very grateful because currently, there is a shortage of PPE and even vaccines overseas as well as in Tonga. But this is important in helping us prepare for COVID-19.”

The masks were organized by Tonga’s Honorary Consul in Sydney, Louise Waterhouse and shipped to Tonga by Rotary. They will be stored at the FWC Hall at Fanga as the hospital warehouse is currently full.