Thirty one new COVID-19 positive cases were reported this morning, bringing Tonga's total active cases in the current outbreak to 139.

The new cases tested positive over the weekend.

The total of 139 includes the previous 44 new cases recorded on Friday, February 11.

The Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni told a media conference today, Feb. 14, the active cases include 133 in Tongatapu and six in Vava'u.

Minister for Health, Hon. Dr Saia Piukala said the cases include 68 men and 65 women on Tongatapu, and 5 men and 1 woman in Vava'u.

"The youngest COVID-19 case is 5-months-old and the oldest case is 63-years-old."

New cases were recorded at Hu'atolitoli Prison with four guards and one prisoner as well as some frontliners at Vaiola Hospital and in Vava'u. 

“One positive case required oxygen due to being asthmatic and is fine,” said Hon. Dr Piukala. Others are showing mild symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and cough.

New suburbs of interest include Pelehake, Longoteme, Puke, Umusi, and Malapo.

All positive cases aged 12 years and above had been fully vaccinated.

He said that those who had recovered from the virus would be released from quarantine.

Hon. Dr Piukala said one person that had recovered was released last Friday, February 11. Another four people are due to be released from quarantine tomorrow, February 15, one on Feb. 16, and another two on Feb.17, should they continue to test negative to the virus.

Unvaccinated

Around 1,344 people in Tonga are unvaccinated.

Hon Dr Piukala said the Omicron variant should not be taken lightly, because it spreads rapidly.

“A person sick with the Delta variant can spread it to another one to three people, while a person sick with the Omicron variant can spread it to up to seven or eight people,” he said.

He urged people to observe COVID-19 protocols when going out including wearing masks, practice social distancing of 2 metres and wash hands and to stay at home as much as possible.