Most activities have been re-opened so why are bars and kava clubs still restricted? The answer can’t be to ensure that we adhere to social distancing – instead it must be an attempt to regulate the social activities to make sure we stay away from alcohol and kava, an unstated goal of the police and health ministries for years. It might be time to consider the positive side of these businesses as they provide a more healthy outlet for people than drinking in the streets or cars and they pay wages that help keep the economy going. - Dean Bishoprick
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Results for Tonga
Friday 24 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The national CoViD-19 restrictions are extended for another week to Friday, 1 May, the Prime Minister Hon Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa announced today, 24 April. Some CoViD-19 testing kits arrived on an Air New Zealand flight yesterday and Tonga's CoViD-19 Testing Machine will be in operation soon.
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Friday 24 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A man who boarded an Air New Zealand flight at Fua’amotu International Airport yesterday, 23 April, was removed due to a New Zealand Immigration travel ban “technicality”, and ended up in quarantine at the Fua'amotu Taliai Camp instead, where he will have to stay for 14 days.
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Friday 24 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Lord Tu'ivakano was sentenced today to two-years imprisonment, which was fully suspended, for charges relating to the issuance of Tongan passports to Chinese nationals. He was also fined $4,000 for possession of a firearm and ammunition without a license. In sentencing, the Chief Justice also took into consideration the potential ramifications of s.37 of the Land Act, clause 23 of the Constitution and s.386 of the Companies Act. (If the prison sentence was more than two years the noble would lose his hereditary rights.)
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Friday 24 April 2020
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Washington, USA
Overseas remittances are predicted to fall by 13 percent in the East Asia and Pacific region this year affecting countries such as Tonga, due to the economic crisis caused by CoViD-19, according to the World Bank. Migrant remittances to Tonga in 2019 made up 37.6 percent as a share of GDP.
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Thursday 23 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The trial of five men charged with the murder of Sione Feimoefiafi (49) in the Nuku'alofa CBD is to start on August 31, at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa.
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Thursday 23 April 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Dry weather has been forecast for most of Tonga from April to June, except for the Niuas where rainfall is expected to be average, according to Tonga Meteorological Service.
Thursday 23 April 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
There is no tsunami threat from an earthquake 5.5 magnitude, felt in Nuku'alofa this morning, the Tonga Meteorological Service advised. The earthquake epicenter was located 121km SSE of Nuku'alofa at 11:31am Tonga local time.
Wednesday 22 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga's tourist industry hit hard by Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold and CoViD-19 lockdowns this month will soon be allowed new duty free and CT free imports of building materials, along with other incentives, while all businesses are allowed an extension of time for filing some tax returns, Tonga's Revenue and Customs Services told the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industries yesterday.
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Wednesday 22 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga Police have made 568 arrests nationwide during a national lockdown and ongoing curfew operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Tuesday 21 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Matamoana, a uniquely whale-shaped vessel, is the latest creation from master craftsman Sitiveni Fehoko, launched at Faua Wharf on April 20.
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Tuesday 21 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
An Air New Zealand flight bringing medical equipment from Auckland to Tonga on Thursday, 23 April has been approved to leave the Kingdom with passengers confirmed Minister for MEIDECC Hon Poasi Tei today.
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Tuesday 21 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Australian citizens and permanent residents who wish to leave Tonga are being advised by the Australian High Commission (AHC) to register with their office.
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Tuesday 21 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The second CoViD-19 testing machine and testing kits are among medical supplies due to arrive in Tonga on Thursday, 23 April on an Air New Zealand flight.
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Tuesday 21 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Government has extended the application due date to May 1 for local registered businesses to apply for assistance, under a COVID-19 Business Economic Emergency Relief Fund.
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Tuesday 21 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Twelve accused pleaded guilty today and were sentenced to fines of $1000 pa'anga each for breaching the national lockdown notice, at Fasi Magistrate’s Court. They were among 40 cases scheduled for today. Arrest warrants have been issued for 14 who did not turn up at the court.
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Monday 20 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A 45-year-old man was convicted of stabbing another man three times with a knife during a verbal confrontation at Fatai. He will be sentenced on May 25, at the Supreme Court.
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Monday 20 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A 37-year-old male prisoner was arrested with methamphetamine at the Hu’atolitoli Prison compound.
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Monday 20 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
International flights to Tonga have been barred up to 12 June according to a diversion order issued by the Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola. The order is to prevent the introduction, or spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to Tonga.
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Friday 17 April 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga’s Ministry of Health trusts the World Health Organization’s (WHO) view that asymptomatic transmission of CoVID-19 has not been proven, CEO of the Ministry of Health Dr Siale 'Akau'ola said this week.
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