Lockdown restrictions eased further - 70 new COVID-19 cases, mostly near prison [1]
Friday, March 4, 2022 - 19:53. Updated on Monday, March 7, 2022 - 10:11.
By Linny Folau
Another 70 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24-hours in Tonga (between Thursday Mar. 3 and Friday Mar. 4) as the number of active cases continues to rise. Lockdown restrictions are continuing but will be eased further, with liquor-licensed shops allowed to open, and a few outdoor sports may play.
Prime Minister Hon Hu’akavameiliku announced the new cases and easing of restrictions during a press conference this morning, Mar. 4.
Since the first COVID positive test was reported in October 2021, Tonga has reported 715 positive cases, with 304 recoveries.
There are now 411 active cases, including the 70 new cases. Most of the active cases are in Tongatapu. The 70 new cases today were mainly reported from a village near Hu'atolitoli Prison.
Lockdown restrictions for Tongatapu and Vava’u will continue for another week but will be eased further, the Prime Minister said.
Easing of restrictions will be effective from Monday, Mar. 7 and will allow the public to play outdoor sports like golf, pickle ball and tennis, but with health protocols to be followed.
Liquor shops may also start opening daily from Monday to Saturday.
Bars and nightclubs and kava clubs must remain closed.
The night time curfew remains from 8:00pm to 5:00am, he said.
High schools and primary schools will remain closed for another week, with government to review the situation next week.
Meanwhile, the next round of repatriation flights are scheduled to arrive at Fua'amotu Int'l Airport on March 8 from Australia and New Zealand; and from Fiji and Samoa on March 10, bringing more than 400 people, said the PM.
Outer island travel
Outer island travel will be open to Ha’apai, ‘Eua and the two Niuas from next week, with five days self- isolation before taking the trip and on arrival on the islands.
However, Health Minister, Hon. Dr Saia Piukala said passengers will be monitored by Health staff and tested and will only be allowed to travel if they are tested negative.
“It it is important to continue to follow Health COVID-19 advice,” he said.
Cargo from Tongatapu to the outer islands will not be quarantined once they arrive on these islands.