Tonga's COVID active cases doubling, with second death recorded [1]
Friday, March 11, 2022 - 23:20. Updated on Friday, March 11, 2022 - 23:22.
COVID-19 positive active cases are more than doubling every week in Tonga, reaching 940 active cases today. A fortnight ago there were 176 active cases, and last week 411 active cases.
Rapid antigen testing has increased significantly during this period.
The government stated today, Mar. 11, there are now 940 active cases with 442 recoveries in Tonga.
The Minister for Health Hon. Dr. Saia Piukala said there were 39 positive cases following tests carried out on repatriated passengers from New Zealand and Australia this week.
He said specimens have been sent to New Zealand for confirmation of the variant.
The Ministry also identified two COVID-19 hotspots in Tonga, one in Sia’atoutai and the other Hu’atolitoli Prison.
National vaccination rates currently stand at 97% for first dose, 89% for second dose and 41% for the booster shots.
The people on Nomuka, Fonoifua and Tungua islands, have received booster shots this week.
This was made possible with the assistance of the Australia Defense Force (ADF) which provided trips to the island for the Ministry of Health team.
The Minister also confirmed there was a death of a positive case with pre-existing medical conditions.
Meanwhile, the current COVID-19 restrictions continues for another week, with the only change is the Form 6-7 students being allowed to return to school next week.
Curfew remains from 8:00pm to 5:00am for Tongatapu and Vava’u.