Tonga's Prime Minister, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, has gone into home isolation after he tested positive for COVID19 yesterday, with the Prime Minister's Office stating that, “his symptoms are mild”.

“He will be home isolated with members of his immediate family for the mandatory health order period,” the PMO stated on March 12.

The Ministry of Health requires 13 days isolation for people with symptoms.

The Prime Minister will continue with his duties and use technology [to communicate], the statement said.

“The business of Government and services to the people will continue as the response and recovery from the volcanic eruption/tsunami and managing the COVID19 outbreak remain the principal priorities for the Hon. Prime Minister and Cabinet.

“His symptoms are mild and he accredits this to his vaccination, having been fully vaccinated and boosted.”

The Prime Minister encouraged all Tongans to be vaccinated and boosted, and to remain vigilant in observing the COVID19 prevention measures and practices.

“We are now adjusting our lives and affairs as we learn to live with COVID19 and I will continue to serve His Majesty, Government and our People during my time in isolation,” he stated.

The Prime Minister has had a busy week and three days before his positive test was on the Queen Sālote Wharf for the presentation of fishing boats to tsunami affected communities. Many of his Cabinet members were present. He has also appeared at press conferences during the week in close contact with key ministers.

The statement did not say if the Prime Minister's close contacts were required to isolate.

Mandatory isolation

The Ministry of Health definition of “Recovered” COVID cases, as posted on its COVID updates, is “a confirmed case that has completed period of isolation (10 days for asymptomatic patients and 10 days after symptom onset plus 3 additional days without symptoms.”

So far, community transmissions of COVID-19 in Tonga have been identified as the Omicron variant.