Results for Health

Tonga’s first positive has been referred to as a ‘weak positive’ case, after arriving from Christchurch on 27 October, said Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola. The other 214 passengers on the flight have tested negative in their first COVID-19 tests. Meanwhile, the positive case will have his second COVID-19 test on Friday, November 5. By Eleanor Gee.

Tonga's Prime Minister's Office has called a media conference for 4:00pm today, as the capital is widely anticipating a National COVID-19 lockdown to be announced, starting tonight. Domestic air services to Vava'u Group were cancelled today, and the last flight from Tongatapu to Ha'apai Group will be at 3:30pm, according to Lulutai Airlines.

People on Tongatapu should use the weekend to prepare for a potential lock down next week, after Tonga’s first positive COVID-19 case was confirmed today. The Prime Minster Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa this evening urged people to use this time to get ready in case more people are confirmed to have the virus.

Tonga's health officials have not yet confirmed one COVID-positive test from a passenger who arrived in Tonga from Christchurch on the evening of Wednesday 27 October. No official announcement has been made but a statement from the Prime Minister's Office is expected later today, Friday

Tonga's Ministry of Health is in a race against time to inoculate 13,738 teenagers with Pfizer before the precious vaccines expire in 28 days time. Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau‘ola urges parents to ensure their 12 to 17-year-old children are inoculated “or they will miss out”.

The inoculation of 12-17 years-old with the Pfizer vaccine at schools in Tongatapu continued today to Tonga High School senior students to protect them against COVID-19.

The repatriates from Pago Pago and Apia were released from quarantine in Tonga last week after they all tested negative for COVID-19 in their last round of tests, confirmed Ministry of Health’s Dr ‘Ofa Tukia today.

Tonga is returning 10,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines to COVAX today so they can be given to Vietnam before the expiry date. The Ministry of Health is disappointed that unvaccinated people have been slow to take up these doses. So far less than 30% of the total population has been vaccinated. The ministry said it is not easy to get the vaccines and now they are trying to get more. Around 31,600 doses of the Pfizer vaccine will arrive in Tonga next week but these are for 12 to 17-year-olds and pregnant women.

Around $20,000 pa’anga will be offered in cash and prizes from Digicel Tonga to help raise awareness of women and men’s health in Tonga during October and November.