Government of Tonga updated Development Partners on the current status of TC Harold Response and COV
The Government of Tonga held a meeting with development partners and donor agencies on April 17th to provide an update on the current status of response to TC Harold impacts and the renewal of COVID-19 State of Emergency and National Restrictions Notice.
CEO for MEIDECC Mr. Paula Ma'u briefed members of the diplomatic corps and donor agencies on the extension of the National COVID-19 Restriction Notice that was effective at 8:00pm April 17th and the renewal of the Declaration of a State of Emergency for COVID-19 that was made on March 20th.
He said the notice of restrictions has been extended for a week for review until 08:00pm, April 24th and the night time curfew to be changed starting from 9:00pm -05:00am. The Government also renewed the Declaration of the COVID-19 State of Emergency for another 28 days to commence from 8:00pm April 17th until 8:00pm Friday May, 15th.
Mr. Ma'u also informed them on the latest report and response of the Government to the impacts of TC Harold. He said the major impacts of TC Harold were felt around the coastal areas.
Tonga's Public Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Reynold 'Ofanoa from the Ministry of Health said, the Ministry received one PCR (polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19 testing) machine shipped from New Zealand last week. The other Covid-19 machine and testing kits from UK are yet to be arrived. He also said the renovations to the Health Centre at Mu'a is expected to be completed this week.
The Government will continue to update the development partners on the current situation regarding the government's response towards COVID-19 and TC Harold.
The Government of Tonga also extends flight suspension until June 12.