30th March, 2020 Incoming flights to Tonga will be halted until at least April 4th 2020 to “prevent the introduction or spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)”, according to a diversion order issued by the CEO for Health Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola on March 28, 2020.
The diversion order barred the following flights, scheduled to arrive Tonga between March 29, 2020 to April 4, 2020.
Fiji Airways
- Monday 30/03/2020 FJ211;
- Tuesday 31/03/2020 FJ211;
- Thursday 02/04/2020 FJ211;
- Saturday 04/04/2020 FJ211.
Air New Zealand
- Monday 30/03/2020 NZ270; and
- Friday 03/04/2020 NZ270.
Talofa Airlines
- Monday 30/03/2020 TA407; and
- Thursday 02/04/2020 TA407
“This diversion order is issued on the basis that I have reasonable grounds to believe that it is necessary to divert the above-mentioned conveyances (aircrafts) to a place outside the Kingdom,” Dr ‘Akau’ola stated.
National Lockdown
Meanwhile Tonga started its nationwide lockdown yesterday morning at 1:00am. The lockdown is effective from March 29 to April 5, 2020.
During the weeklong lockdown:
- All domestic public transportation is ceased except for essential services and related activities exempted
- All bars, restaurants, night clubs, retail bottle shops and liquor manufacturers will be closed
- All public gatherings are prohibited
- Night curfews are imposed by Tonga Police and His Majesty’s Armed Forces from 8:00pm to 6:00am in the morning
- Funeral gatherings are restricted to a total of 10 people indoors and 20 outdoors with an authorized officer present throughout
The public are being urged by authorities to stay home.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.