1. The Prime Minister pursuant to sections 32 and 34(1) of the Emergency Management Act 2007 has renewed the Declaration of a State of Emergency that was made on 17 April 2020, to be applied over all the land and sea areas of Tonga commencing from Friday 15 May 2020 at 8.00pm until Thursday 11 June 2020 at 8.00pm, unless further renewed in accordance with the law.
2. The Prime Minister has also re-issued National COVID-19 Restrictions Notice (“Notice”) which will be effective from 8.00pm, Friday 15 May 2020 to 8.00pm Friday 29 May 2020 and it shall apply to the areas specified in the Renewal of the Declaration of a State of Emergency dated 15 May 2020.
3. The Notice includes the following changes –
(a) Mass gatherings means any gathering not exceeding a total of 40 people indoors and 80 people outdoors.
(b) The night-time curfew shall apply from 10.00pm to 5.00am.
(c) Liquor licensed night clubs, clubs, bars and kava clubs shall open 4 days a week from Wednesdays to Saturdays.
(d) Kava gatherings at a private location or residential household is restricted to only 4 people. However this does not apply to persons living in the same residential household.
4. At the global level, COVID-19 cases continue to rise with confirmed cases being reported at 4.2 million people and confirmed deaths at 290,000 people. It remains unclear when international trade and travel will resume normal operations given the global situation. However countries with confirmed cases are adopting a slow but sure approach in lifting their restrictions.
5. At the national level, Tonga has relaxed the restrictions to allow for more activities to take place, bearing in mind the need to always adopt “COVID-19 free” approaches to the way of life of all Tongans. The Tongan community has moved towards the practice of hygiene and sanitation, and it is important that Tonga maintains this.
6. The Government acknowledges all who have implemented these approaches in their place of business or leisure, in particular the effort of kava clubs in the Kingdom who have showed their support and have adopted the sanitation and hygiene requirements issued by the Ministry of Health.
7. The Government continues to appreciate the hard work conducted by the Ministry of Health in leading us through this difficult time, the Tonga Police and His Majesty’s Armed Forces, and all relevant officers in ensuring compliance with the notices.
8. Thank you all for your patience and the ongoing support. We ask that you continue to abide by this notice, and pray for our country in all our efforts.
ENDS
For further information or clarification, please contact: Mr. Edgar Cocker, Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Office of the Prime Minister Telephone Number: (676) 24-644 Facsimile: (676) 23-888 Email: edgarc047@yahoo.com