Results for Health

Although Tonga remains CoViD-19 free, the Minister of Health told a WHO Global Forum that government expects the CoVid-19 virus to come into Tonga when the border reopens. She said Tonga is doing its very best to prepare for that.

Tests for CoViD-19 can now be processed in Tonga in a new laboratory extension which was officially opened today by the Prime Minister Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa at Vaiola Hospital in Tongatapu. By Eleanor Gee.

Tonga has extended its State of Emergency for another month, from 8:00pm 11 June until 8:00pm 8 July, the Prime Minister Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa declared this afternoon. In addition, the CoViD-19 restrictions have been extended from 8:00pm 11 June to 8:00pm 8 July. The night curfew now starts an hour later at 12:00am to 5:00am, with mass gatherings still limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.

A pallet of sweet smelling, vanilla infused hand sanitizers made by Heilala Vanilla in New Zealand, were donated to Vaiola Hospital today, 27 May, to assist in keeping Tonga safe from CoViD-19. Vanilla extract made by the company from Tongan grown vanilla has similar common ingredients as sanitizer—ethanol and glycerin, and they were able to make the new products.

Medical supplies from China, including infrared thermometers, personal protective equipment, and hand sanitizer gels, were donated to the Ministry of Health on May 19, at Vaiola Hospital, to help Tonga prepare for CoViD-19.

Tonga’s State of Emergency that was due to end today at 8:00pm 17 May has been extended until 8.00pm 11 June 2020, the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Pohiva Tu‘i‘onetoa declared this afternoon 15 May 2020. The night curfew now starts at 10:00pm. Gyms and sporting events are permitted and some other restrictions have been eased, while the border remains closed.

Australia has committed to providing up to AUD$1.8 million to extend the Tonga Health Systems Support Program to the end of next year, and a further AUD$1 million for CoViD-19 preparations, signing the increased assistance package with the Minister of Health today.

The third CoViD-19 testing machine, GeneXpert, and testing cartridges have arrived in Tonga and were cleared last night and kept at the Ministry of Health laboratory said Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola today, 8 May.

Restrictions enforced under a State of Emergency in Tonga since 17 April will be relaxed for a couple of weeks from 8:00pm May 1-15 2020, the Prime Minister announced yesterday. However, the international border remains closed to incoming passengers, including an estimated 10,000 Tongans overseas who want to return.