Results for Tonga

Tonga now has 342 active COVID-19 cases, the Minister for Health, Hon Dr Saia Piukala confirmed today, March 3. There were 290 new cases reported between Feb. 25 and Mar. 3.

A total of 174 repatriated passengers, were released from the Tanoa Hotel quarantine on Tuesday, March 1, after testing negative to COVID-19. Dr Reynold ‘Ofanoa said those arriving on the next repatriation flights, who would like to quarantine in their own homes can write a letter to the Ministry of Health, who will inspect the homes before approvals.

Table Tennis is providing a powerful distraction for the youth among the most affected by the volcanic eruptions and tsunamis, which devastated homes on the islands of Mango and ‘Atata. The trauma of their recent experiences will no doubt remain with the displaced communities for a long time to come – but, in the meantime, the smiles of joy on the children’s faces as they play table tennis brings happiness in these difficult times.

Tonga Red Cross Society has been doing “an extremely wonderful job over the past month”, said ANZ Tonga Country Head, David Dudley, today, in presenting a donation of AUD$50,000 to support their efforts and work in Tonga's recovery from the natural disasters on January 15. By Linny Folau.

Three of Australia's largest defence ships entered the Nuku'alofa harbour in formation, this afternoon, and were welcomed by Tonga's Prime Minister and officials at Vuna Wharf.

A Pangaimotu Island monument was cleaned up by a work party from HMAS Adelaide during a small islands clean-up operation, following the devasting tsunamis and ash fall from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption on January 15. Navy and Army personnel scrubbed the cross clean from the sand and ash and cut overgrown vegetation.

A 53-year-old man died when the car he was driving crashed into a coconut tree on a road travelling from Kahoua to Sia’atoutai on Sunday evening, February 27. A passenger was injured, in the accident which recorded Tonga's first road death for the year.

Tonga's Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Poasi Tei and the Chinese Ambassador to Tonga HE Cao Xaolin signed handover certificates for the general contribution from the People’s Republic of China to Tonga at an official ceremony today at Vuna Wharf, Nuku'alofa.

Tongan technicians were transported to Kao Island in Australian helicopters to repair a key Digicel tower to help restore communications to the outer islands in a three day operation completed on February 22.