By Eleanor Gee

Tonga’s first COVID-19 case (Patient Zero) is believed to be a historical case after testing a weak positive today in a third test, confirmed Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola.

"We believe this person is a historical case and had been sick with COVID-19 previously."

The person had tested a weak positive in the first test last week after arriving in Tonga on a repatriation flight from Christchurch, and subsequently tested negative to COVID-19 on Monday night.

To confirm the negative test result, the third test was done. While the result was also a weak positive, there was a change in this test with only part of the virus appearing.

Dr 'Akau'ola said the virus that had been tested had two genes. There is the E and N2. At the moment, the E has not appeared in the test and the N2 is still floating around.

"That confirms that the virus is getting weaker and that part of the virus is dead."

"We have discussed this case with the World Health Organization and the positive level of this case is weaker than the first test.”

“As to whether this person is infectious, we believe he is not infectious. This is not a new virus and we at the Ministry of Health are satisfied with the test results.”

Dr 'Akau'ola said the nature of a historical case is that it can be positive then change to negative and then positive, and so forth.

He explained that the machines used to test COVID-19 in Tonga, "are very sensitive and if any part of the virus appears, it will be positive".

Patient Zero will be staying in quarantine for 21 days but the Ministry is considering whether they should extend it.

Meanwhile, the 214 passengers from the flight will be tested next week in their second COVID-19 test while in quarantine.

Kava drinkers caught and booked

The Tongatapu lockdown that is due to end on Monday night will depend on the COVID-19 test results of the frontliners, who will be tested on Sunday with the results to be available on Monday.

Minister for MEIDECC Hon. Poasi Tei said if they all test negative, that confirms there is no risk to the community and we will go back to the normal restrictions.

While people have been generally abiding by the lockdown restrictions, Brigadier Fielakepa said some had not complied.

Over 30 people who had gathered to drink kava were caught and booked.

“I request people to please abide by the lockdown rules. The lockdown time is to protect us, until the Ministry of Health can confirm the status of the country.”

Vaccination

Prime Minister Hon. Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa said vaccination figures for the target population (18-years-old and over) had reached 91%.

“This shows that people are concerned in maintaining their good health of their families and communities and the country as a whole.”

“I want to thank the people for vaccinating to protect our people, which in turn assists us in our decision making for the future so that we can enjoy our freedom, while abiding by our restrictions in our fight against COVID-19.”