Tonga's PM confirmed one positive COVID-19 test among the 215 passengers who arrived in Tonga from Christchurch on Wednesday.

The test was carried out yesterday and results confirmed today, Friday.

The PM Hon. Rev Dr Pohiva Tu'ionetoa, made the announcement on national radio at 5:30pm, today. It is the first confirmed positive case in Tonga in MIQ.

The gender of the person at the at the Tanoa Hotel MIQ was not revealed.

The Prime Minister said that on Monday government will most likely put out some sort of regulation whether we will have a national lockdown in the future.

From today onwards he asked Tongans to prepare themselves this weekend and follow the curfews and abide by it and social distancing.

Health CEO Dr Siale 'Akau'ola said that it was unfortunate that the plane had already left Christchurch before the news came of the community cases in Christchurch.

He said all the frontliners, health, police and airport staff who were working at Fua'amotu Airport when the Christchurch flight arrived had been transferred to quarantine today after the COVID-19 positive result was confirmed.

He said all Tongan frontliners working near the flights had been vaccinated.

The carrier [COVID-19 positive] had been fully vaccinated.

The Ministry of Health is compiling full information on the vaccination status of the other passengers.

Among the Passengers are returning seasonal workers who are at in quarantine at Makeke Camp.

Passengers quarantined at the Tanoa include local members of Tonga's Olympic team who have returned.