COVID-19 confirmed throughout Tonga after border opening [1]
Wednesday, August 17, 2022 - 18:13. Updated on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 - 18:18.
COVID-19 cases have spread throughout Tonga, after the progressive opening of the country’s borders on 1 August 2022, but there are no hospitalizations, reports the Tonga Government.
Active cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in the outer islands of ‘Eua, Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou since 1 August, the Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku confirmed on Friday, 12 August.
“Which means that all islands of Tonga now have COVID-19 cases....The good news is there are no cases admitted at any Ministry of Health facility and there have been no serious cases reported.”
Last week, the Minister of Health, Hon. Saia Piukala, confirmed that there were were 31 new cases at the Hu’atolitoli Prison and they were kept in managed isolation at the Prison.
Hon. Dr. Piukala urged the public to continue to follow COVID-19 health guidelines, including those travelling in from overseas.
“There is no change in the advice we are giving out and we just ask people to follow the guidelines that are being used.
“The borders are being opened so we can allow our people to return home or visit families, but at the same time we ask that everyone follow the guidelines so that we are able to protect our people,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health Facebook page reported 1042 active cases in Tonga on 16 August. To date 12 deaths were attributed to COVID-19.
In Tonga 98% of those aged over 12 years have had their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, 91% the second dose, and 59% a booster shot.
Meanwhile, over half of 5-11 year olds have had their first vaccination.