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In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was common to divide countries and their responses according to their political systems, with many attributing China’s success in controlling the virus to its authoritarianism. As of late 2020, however, it is clear that the real dividing line is not political but geographical. Regardless of whether a country is democratic or authoritarian, an island or continental, Confucian or Buddhist, communitarian or individualistic, if it is East Asian, Southeast Asian, or Australasian, it has managed COVID-19 better than any European or North American country. The fact remains that you were much likelier to die of COVID-19 in 2020 if you were European or American than if you were Asian. - By Bill Emmott

A Fiji $2 million grant to help Fiji recover from the devastating impact of Cyclone Yasa was dispatched by the Asian Development Bank on 24 December. Damage assessments indicated that about 93,000 people, or 10% of the population were directly affected.

A 19-year-old boy was found dead at a home in Folaha, Tongatapu. Police alleged it was a suicide but an inquest will be held this week to confirm the cause of death.

All 286 repatriates from Auckland and Fiji who are currently in-home quarantine for seven days will be released in time to join in celebrations welcoming in the New Year, confirmed Tonga's Chief Medical Officer (Public Health) Dr Reynold 'Ofanoa this afternoon.

The Prince Claus Award 2020, an international recognition, honouring outstanding achievements in the field of culture and development, was presented to the Dowager Lady Tuna Fielakepa tonight, at a special ceremony held in Nuku'alofa, hosted by the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The award was presented by HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita.

Digicel, the largest mobile business in the Western Pacific, owned by the Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien, “is being crawled over by buyers who see an opportunity to buy the key infrastructure, which is suffering from high debt levels and weak earnings because of the pandemic”, reported the Australian Financial Review on 18 December.

The World Rugby Sevens Repechage where national teams, including Tonga Men’s Rugby Sevens, will play for their chance to qualify for the Olympic Games, will be held in Monaco on 19-20 June 2021.

Police visibility will be strengthened with 278 Tonga police officers working around the clock during the annual police operation for the Christmas and New Year, which started on December 21 to prevent crimes and ensure public safety during the holidays.

The 129 repatriates from Auckland have tested negative for CoViD-19 and were released from quarantine this afternoon.