04th March, 2022 TONGAN Curfew hours will remain from 8pm to 5am for the new week, with easing of restrictions confirmed by Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku today at a press conference in Nuku’alofa as 411 active COVID-19 cases are currently being monitored in Tonga.
Easing of restrictions, which will come into effect from Monday, March 7, now allows for members of the public to play outdoor sports like golf, pickle ball and tennis, with health protocols to be followed.
Liquor shops can start opening daily from Monday to Saturday.
Bars and nightclubs are still closed. Kava clubs are still closed.
The Hon. Hu’akavameiliku also confirmed that high schools and primary schools will remain close for another week, with government to review the situation next week.
COVID-19
Tonga’s total case since the first case in October 2021 is 715, with 304 recoveries and 411 active cases.
The Hon. Hu’akavameiliku confirmed there were 70 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours.
Vaccination
On the vaccination rate for Tonga, using new Population figures, government confirmed 97% for the first dose, 89% for the second dose and 40% for Booster shots. The target population is 79, 836, based on the new census figures provided by the Bureau of Statistics.
A total of 8,096 PCR and 25,916 RAT tests have been conducted so far.
Reconstruction
The Hon. Hu’akavameiliku confirmed that government’s Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Haapai Reconstruction project has started this week in Patangata and Sopu.
Government plan to build 286 houses that were destroyed or severely damaged by the tsunami of January 15, 2022.
Communication
The Hon. Hu’akavameiliku said SpaceX terminals have been distributed in Tonga and also outer islands.
TCC and Digicel are also included in the distribution to assist them with their capacities.
Boats
The Prime Minister confirmed outboard motors and boats secured as assistance from donors overseas have arrived in the Kingdom.
These boats will be distributed to the islands in Ha’apai affected by the tsunami.
Outer islands
Outer island trips will be open to Ha’apai, ‘Eua and the Niuas, from next week, with five days self-isolation before taking the trip and on arrival on the islands.
Health Minister Hon Dr Saia Piukala said passengers will be monitored by Health staff and tested, allowed only to travel if they are negative.
Hon Piukala stated it is important to continue to follow Health COVID-19 advice.
Cargo from Tongatapu to the outer islands will not be quarantined once they arrive at its island destination.
Church services
Deputy Prime Minister Hon Poasi Tei said church services is restricted to family services and radio programs but government will accept proposals from churches who want to hold services on Sundays and review their compliance plan.
Ukraine vote
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Hon Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu confirmed that Tonga was one of the 141 countries who supported and co-sponsored the Ukraine Resolution at the the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday in New York.
ENDS
Issued by: The Prime Minister’s Office, P.O. Box 62, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Tel: (676) 7401351 Fax: (676) 23 888; For media enquiries- Email: pressroom@pmo.gov.to Website: www.pmo.gov.to