By Eleanor Gee

An 88-year-old woman in Tonga has died from COVID-19, Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola said today, March 18.

This brings the total number of deaths of COVID-19 positive people to five.

He said that, unfortunately, the elderly woman was not vaccinated and was vulnerable to the virus.

Two other deaths were also confirmed yesterday, including one male that died from terminal cancer.

“His body already had a weak immune system due to the cancer and was vulnerable to the virus,” said Dr 'Akau'ola.

“The death of another male in his 40’s was due to an underlying illness. He was septicemic. He was also vulnerable and caught the virus and died.”

“We are still working on verifying information to define the deaths in accordance with World Health Organization and regional COVID-19 classifications, he  at a press conference via zoom.

1819 active cases

A total of 258 new COVID-19 cases was recorded over the last 24 hours and there are 1,819 active cases, with 964 recovered.

Since February 1, a total of 2,788 COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Tonga, including 2,698 cases in Tongatapu and 89 in Vava’u.

Health officials confirmed around 134 of the Ministry of Health staff and close contacts have also tested positive to COVID-19 so far, including 36 nurses, 13 doctors, 5 dental, 21 support service, 6 laboratory, and 7 administration staff.

Omicron variant in Tonga

COVID-19 positive cases have also been confirmed in passengers who were repatriated last week.

Minister for Health Hon Dr Saia Piukala said active cases included 12 repatriates staying at the Tanoa Hotel and five staying at the Kupesi Hotel.

“At the moment, only the Omicron variant is in Tonga and there are no other variants.”

Variant testing cannot be done in Tonga. However, specimens taken from repatriates who tested positive to COVID-19 had been sent to New Zealand to confirm the variant, he said.

“In New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia, the Omicron variant is dominant, so we believe these repatriates have Omicron, however, this will be confirmed when we receive the results either this weekend or at the beginning of next week.”

Vaccination rate

So far, around 98% of the target population over the age of 12 have received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, 90% have received their second doses while 47% have received booster shots.

Hon. Dr Piukala said during next week's lockdown, those who feel they have COVID-19 symptoms should remain at home and rest, take panadol and contact the Ministry of Health.

To date, over 70,000 tests have been taken in Tonga, 12,140 PCR tests and 47,818 rapid antigen tests.

Health confirmed more booster shots were due to arrive next Tuesday from Australia.

Meanwhile, the ministry's capacity will be supported by returning health staff from Fiji and New Zealand who had come on repatriation flights. Representatives from SPC and World Health Organisation who are currently in Managed Isolation Quarantine will also be able to assist once they are released, he said.