Results for COVID-19

While no cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Tonga, tougher measures for incoming travellers were imposed today, in a fifth advisory aimed at preventing the virus from entering the country. It includes strict quarantine requirements for travellers through or from some affected countries, while all international cruise ships and yachts scheduled to arrive in Tonga are now barred indefinitely. By Eleanor Gee.

New Zealand's strict new COVID-19 health measures to be put in place at the border for people departing to the Pacific include: • No travel for people who have travelled outside of New Zealand in the past 14 days, • No travel for close or casual contacts of a confirmed case. • No travel for anyone who is symptomatic. • Health assessment including temperature check.

Tonga has declared a Public Health Emergency Order to be prepared to fight COVID-19. Two declarations announced by the Prime Minister this afternoon, give more power to the Ministry of Health to contain COVID-19. The CEO of Health said today they have limited intensive care capacity “I think as a Ministry we have to prepare for more difficult scenario,” he said, but Tonga’s small size is an advantage where it is easier to contain.

Like climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic is a perfect example of why we need multilateralism in a globalized world. Rather than resorting to thinly veiled racism and isolationist policies, global leaders – particularly the United States – should have started organizing a collective response weeks ago. China’s experience with the virus in January and February is likely to be repeated in much of the rest of the world in March and April. We should be preparing intelligently...not succumbing to irrational panic. By Kevin Rudd.

Due to increased uncertainty in the Covid-19 outbreak, Air New Zealand has reduced its capacity across domestic and international routes, including a 26% reduction in Asia. Pacific Islands will experience capacity reductions of 6% through June. The airline's shareholders were told today that the financial impact on earnings will be more significant than previously estimated. The airline has implemented hiring freezes and capital expenditure deferrals.

More than 10 suspected COVID-19 cases across the Pacific who have had samples tested have come back negative confirmed Dr Yutaro Setoya from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Tonga. This does not include Tonga's suspected COVID-19 case sample, which is still being tested.

Air New Zealand has cut down on its Auckland-Apia weekly services from six to three effective today, 2 March, after receiving a directive for all airlines by the Samoan Government.

Our Western Pacific region is at a critical juncture in the novel coronavirus (now known as COVID-19) outbreak, says Dr Takeshi Kasai, WHO regional director, who warns that health care facilities in our region could rapidly become overwhelmed, with even a relatively small number of COVID-19 cases. “No case has been confirmed in the [Western] Pacific...the objective should be to keep it that way,” he says, while advising countries to intensify preparedness for wider community transmission of the virus.

The Tongan Embassy in Beijing has been keeping tabs on Tongan nationals across China, including 49 students to ensure they are looked after, as new cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to climb.