Results for Health

An unvaccinated 88-year-old woman in Tonga has died from COVID-19, Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola said today, March 18. There are currently 1819 active cases. Around 134 of the Ministry of Health staff and close contacts have tested positive to COVID-19 so far, including 36 nurses, 13 doctors, 5 dental, 21 support service, 6 laboratory, and 7 administration staff.

Three cabinet ministers have tested positive for COVID-19, in addition to the Prime Minister who tested positive on Saturday. The Minister for Health, Hon Dr Saia Piukala confirmed today he is also in self-isolation for 10 days but has tested negative so far for COVID-19.

A total of 145 people were repatriated from Fiji and Vanuatu, arriving in Tonga on March 10.

Another 70 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24-hours in Tonga (between Thursday Mar. 3 and Friday Mar. 4) as the number of active cases continues to rise. Lockdown restrictions are continuing but will be eased further, with liquor-licensed shops allowed to open, and a few outdoor sports may play.

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.

Discrepancies in breakdown of the COVID-19 (Omicron variant) figures for Tonga released by the government's press conferences, continue to confuse people who are trying to follow exactly how many cases have tested negative/recovered since recording of cases began on 29 October last year. There were 55 new cases reported today, and 57 new negatives/recoveries. It seems likely there were a further 60 recoveries that were not specified. One person has died from an underlying condition.

Tonga now has 195 active COVID-19 cases, the Prime Minister Hon Siaosi Sovaleni, confirmed today, Feb.17. New positive cases include 30 people in Hu’atolitoli Prison, 25 among the newly arrived repatriates in MIQ, and 14 in the community.

Ultra-cold chain equipment to store Pfizer vaccines for long-term use arrived in Tonga on an Australian Defence Force humanitarian flight on Monday. The rollout of boosters is the key to protecting the people of Tonga from the current COVID-19 outbreak, Australia’s High Commissioner, HE Rachael Moore said

The number of COVID-19 cases is expected to continue rising, warned the Minister for Health, Hon Dr Saia Piukala this morning, February 10, saying “The unvaccinated, young children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses are at risk...It’s important to rest at home. It’s better to rest at home - than rest in peace.” By Eleanor Gee.