23rd June, 2020 The second drill for COVID-19 repatriation flight was held today as the 50 passengers were tested upon arrival at the quarantine facility, Tanoa Hotel.
CEO for Health, Dr. Siale ‘Akauola said today’s drill aims to present the COVID-19 testing process of the 50 passengers.
“Today goes as planned. Part of the drill was having a suspected case at Fua’amotu International Airport when conducting the temperature check and was taken by an ambulance to Vaiola Hospital’s isolation facility.”
Each passenger is required to have only 1 piece of cabin luggage and 1 piece of check in luggage, which after clearing by Customs, they have to carry them to the buses. They will not be using the trollies at the airport.
The fifty passengers were volunteers from the Tonga Red Cross who represented the second 50 passengers arriving from New Zealand at Fua’amotu International Airport.
Upon arrival at Tanoa Hotel, the passengers were directed to the COVID-19 testing station for trial before allocated to their own rooms.
Dr. Siale ‘Akauola also said, there will be a calendar for the 14 days quarantine showing activities for each day.
“On the 14th day of quarantining, the 50 passengers will be tested for COVID-19 one last time before releasing to their homes.”
The quarantine facility will be strictly guarded by full security.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.