PROTECTION AGAINST NOVEL CORONAVIRUS IMPORTATION INTO TONGA
The Ministry of Health of Tonga hereby issues this Travel Advisory due to the current global outbreaks of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring this outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (termed “COVID-19”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which continues to expand. To date, no confirmed cases have been reported in the Pacific Island Countries.
The Ministry of Health is highly concerned about the risk of importation of this infection into Tonga due to the significant health impacts it will have. There is a very high risk of an outbreak which has the potential to cause huge economic loss to the country. The country alert level is therefore raised from “high” to “very high” in compliance with the WHO Risk Assessment at Global Level.
In exercise of the powers stipulated under the Public Health Act, the following travel advisory is issued and shall apply to all ports of entry[1] in the Kingdom of Tonga.
1. All travelers arriving in Tonga, shall complete the Traveler’s Arrival Health Declaration Card, and provide it to the Ministry of Health Border Control Team upon arrival.
2. All international travelers, originating from or transiting through China[2], Italy, Iran, Daegu Province and Cheongdo County (Republic of Korea) shall spend at least 14 days self-quarantine outside of China[3] and the above countries, province and county. Upon the completion of this period, the international travelers originating from or transit through the above listed countries, province and county shall obtain medical clearance (confirming travelers are free of symptoms of acute respiratory illness) prior to departure from the last port of entry into Tonga. This restriction shall not apply to the following categories of persons:
a. Tongan citizens, permanent residents and their immediate (nuclear[4]) family members;
b. International travelers who have not been in China[5], Italy, Iran, Daegu Province and Cheongdo County (Republic of Korea) in the past 14 days of arriving in Tonga.
3. Those exempted under paragraph 2(a) above, who have been in China[6], Italy, Iran, Daegu Province and Cheongdo County (Republic of Korea) within 14 days of their arrival in Tonga, shall report to the Ministry of Health Border Control Team for health quarantine measures.
4. All international travelers, who upon arrival in Tonga, reflect symptoms of COVID-19 as determined by the Ministry of Health Border Control Team, shall undergo health quarantine measures. The Ministry of Health shall then notify and work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to liaise, if needed, with the relevant authorities of the country of citizenship of such traveler.
5. The vessel operators and airlines operating in Tonga shall report to the Ministry of Health[7] the presence of any sick person on board as per requirements under the International Health Regulations (2005).
6. It is strongly recommended that all persons intending to travel to China[8], Italy, Iran, Daegu Province and Cheongdo County (Republic of Korea) or any country affected by the COVID-19, postpone their travel arrangements unless necessary.
7. All international flights and vessels entering Tonga shall use Tongatapu as the first port of entry for border screening prior to re-routing to outer islands.[9]
8. All conveyances (international cruise ships) scheduled to arrive in Tonga in the next month, and specified under the Order issued by the Chief Executive Officer of Health on 3 March 2020 under section 117(1) and (2)(c)(i) of the Public Health Act shall be diverted from Tonga.
This Travel Advisory is issued, with immediate effect[10], by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and may be further reviewed and updated as required.
Respectfully,
Hon Professor. ‘Amelia Afuha’amango Tu’ipulotu
Minister for Health
Date: 03.03.2020
[1] Land and Sea
[2] Including Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Taipei
[3] Including Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Taipei
[4] Nuclear family in this context refers to mothers, fathers, sons, and/or daughters of travelers.
[5] Including Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Taipei
[6] Including Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Taipei
[7] The Ministry of Health Border Control Team at all ports of entry in Tonga.
[8] Including Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Taipei
[9] This includes Tongan vessels operating internationally.
[10] This travel advisory is effective from 03.03.2020