The new COVID-19 variant BA.5 has been confirmed in Tonga, after the re-opening of our border on 1 August.

CEO of the Ministry of Health, Dr Siale 'Akau'ola said. there is a new wave of COVID-19, with cases increasing since the previous week.

However, "Tonga still remains at a satisfactory level since majority of the people have been vaccinated."

He said there were around 10 cases of COVID-19 BA.5 admitted into the hospital, as of 25 August.

Other active cases had been advised to rest and remain in their homes until full recovery.

He said they were in satisfactory state, as well as health staff and health facilities and equipment.

In the meantime, the number of active cases has started to decrease.

 As of 22 August, there were 889 active COVID-19 cases and 77 new cases in the latest figures published by the Ministry of Health.

Of the current 889 active cases in the community, a majority are in Tongatapu with 600, ‘Eua 167, Vava’u 16, Ha’apai 61, Niuatoputapu 14 and Niuafo’ou 31.

The number of deaths among COVID-19 cases in Tonga remains at 12. 

Dr ‘Akau’ola urged the public to keep to the health measures required under the orange level that Tonga is currently in.