Results for Health

With CoViD-19 numbers climbing daily around the world, and the lack of PPE available worldwide, people can sew their own face masks as an added protection from spreading the virus. Studies show the effectiveness of different materials in blocking the virus.

Tonga is one of 18 countries in the world that is CoViD-19 free as of today, 3 April, and 10 of these countries are located in the Pacific region.

The Tonga Government has decided against the landing at Fua'amotu International Airport of a chartered aircraft carrying medical supplies from China.

A travel schedule expected for a chartered flight to bring medical supplies from China has not been confirmed at this stage. The medical supplies are aimed to help Tonga in its preventative measures against COVID-19.

People who ventured out today, on the second day of Tonga's national lockdown, encountered checkpoints on main roads, manned by police officers and soldiers. Police said that while most people are compliant, a few who were obstructing police had been arrested. They are also investigating reports that funerals are being held with more than 20 people present.

Tonga does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19, after test results on the country's recent two suspected cases, came back negative from Australia today, March 27. The Minister of Health said vigilance and preventative measures need to continue to strengthen Tonga's response to the global pandemic at this critical time.

Tonga's Ministry of Health has negated public concerns that Tongans had returned to the Kingdom from New Zealand after attending a Mt Roskill event with a person who later tested positive for COVID-19.

Tonga has declared a month-long State of Emergency in Tonga aimed at CoViD-19 prevention stating that the disease “is imminent and will endanger or threaten.. the lives of people in Tonga.”. Starting today at 8:00 pm: Foreign nationals are banned from entering Tonga; Tongan nationals must be quarantined for 14-days upon arrival; public gatherings are restricted; big events including funerals are banned; bars will be closed and other measures are being taken.

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.