68 new COVID cases, include 1 in Vava'u and 42 in prison [1]
Saturday, February 26, 2022 - 22:30. Updated on Saturday, February 26, 2022 - 22:55.
Sixty-eight new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Tonga since the last report on February 23, including 42 in Hu‘atolitoli Prison, one in Vava‘u, and 25 in Tongatapu, the Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni told a press conference on Friday, February 25.
The Prime Minister's Office stated that, “a total of 177 recoveries recorded with 178 active cases now monitored by the Ministry of Health.”
According to government reports, the total number of COVID-19 cases this year is 355. One case was recorded earlier in October 2021, bringing the national total to 356 cases reported.
The previous six cases reported in Vava'u have been discharged.
Discrepancy of COVID-19 numbers on Feb. 23
Matangi Tonga sought to clarify a discrepancy of COVID-19 numbers reported on Wednesday, February 23, possibly around the recovery numbers.
Health authorities announced 57 people had recovered in quarantine and 78 people had been discharged.
However, a Ministry of Health facebook post on the evening of Feb. 23 stated that the 57 recoveries in quarantine plus the 78 people discharged (for the year), meant that a total of 135 people had recovered from COVID-19 since February 1.
Officials stated there were 133 active cases being monitored. However, according to the Ministry’s post, there were 18 new COVID-19 cases on that day, which had not been added to the total 133 active cases figure, (although the 18 cases were included in the 55 new cases announced). When the 18 cases were added into the Active Cases total, it brought the total active cases to 151 on February 23.
One death (not COVID related) was also recorded.
The 151 active cases and the 135 recovered cases, plus one death, totals 287 cases recorded since February 1, 2022 (or 288 cases since 29 October 2021).
COVID tracking at Feb. 25
Going forward, to Feb. 25, where a total 178 active cases were reported. Our COVID tracker shows 177 Total Active Cases, after the death is deducted. (See chart below).
On the MOH dashboard, it remains unclear if the death was still being counted in the Recovery figures total for this year, or if it was still being counted as an Active case, for the time being.
Vaccination
Minister for Health Hon Saia Piukala said another 188 people who were unvaccinated were inoculated with their first dose of COVID-19. This brings the total of unvaccinated people to 279.
The Minister said 99% of the target population of 76,911 had now received their first dose.
Around 32% of the target population have also received their booster shots.
Repatriation flights
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also announced the next lot of repatriation flights are scheduled to arrive on March 8.
These flights will be from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and possibly Samoa.
Lockdown restrictions eased further
Lockdown restrictions have been eased further starting next Monday, February 28.
The PM said the nighttime curfew hours have been reduced and will be in force from 8:00pm to 5:00am.
Tertiary schools can also start operating next week. Their vaccination rate is very good.
“Home school will continue for high school and primary school students.”
The Prime Minister said schools would gradually return to the classrooms.
“Although, the number of positive cases has reduced, we need to be cautious in allowing schools to gradually return.”
He urged tertiary students to abide by the [COVID-19] protocols.
“Common practice for us now is social distancing, washing hands, and wearing masks.”