Tonga COVID “weak positive” to have second test on Friday [1]
Monday, November 1, 2021 - 19:56. Updated on Monday, November 1, 2021 - 19:57.
By Eleanor Gee.
Tonga’s first positive has been referred to as a ‘weak positive’ case, after arriving from Christchurch on 27 October, said Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola. The other 214 passengers on the flight have tested negative in their first COVID-19 tests.
He said the person who tested the weak positive for COVID-19 was tested three times on all three of the Health’s COVID-19 testing machines on October 28.
Two theories for postive test
Dr 'Akau'ola said the person tested negative on Monday before boarding the flight in Christchurch on Wednesday Oct. 27, and then tested positive after arriving in Tonga. This could be due to two things, he said.
“It could be due to this person being fully vaccinated and the virus is struggling to grow, or this person had contracted COVID-19 before.”
“It’s better we just identify it as positive now and go into lockdown as a precaution, rather than to regret it later when its too late.”
Dr ‘Akau’ola said, the positive case will have his second COVID-19 test on Friday, November 5.
Ha'apai
Meanwhile, he said that a front liner had left to Ha’apai the day after the repatriation flight from Christchurch arrived.
He said after the plane landed and they were informed of the two positive cases in Christchurch before midnight, the Ministry of Health promptly advised all front liners to stay put and self-isolate at home.
"Maybe this person did not receive this advisory but he left for Ha’apai the next day. He has been located and is in quarantine to be tested."
“The rest of front liners have tested negative to COVID-19 in their first test.”
Passengers
Meanwhile, the 214 passengers’ second COVID-19 test will be carried out half way through their quarantine stay.
They will have their third and last tests on the last day of their 21-days of quarantine.
He said there are no extra COVID-19 tests to be done for these passengers.
National Exams
Meanwhile, the national examinations for Form 5, 6 and 7 of all schools in Tonga are expected to go ahead this month.
The Minister for Education Hon Hu’akavameiliku said at this stage, the students could take this week as a study week in preparation for their exams.