07th April, 2022 TONGAN The Government this morning announced that Tongatapu and Vava’u will return to Orange colour status from Saturday, April 9, 2022 while Ha’apai remains at Red colour as the fight against COVID-19 continues for the next two weeks.
The Prime Minister, Honorable Hu’akavameiliku made the statement at a virtual press conference here in Nuku’alofa this morning.
“With the advice given by the Ministry of Health, Cabinet has decided on the next steps of the restrictions and lockdown for the next two weeks, with the inclusion of Ha’apai,” Hon Hu’akavameiliku stated.
Tongatapu and Vava’u
From 5.01am on Saturday, April 9, all shops in Tongatapu and Vava’u will open for service.
That also includes financial services, markets, gas and fuel stations. Talamahu Market in Nuku’alofa remains closed.
Church services can now be held at the respective church around the two islands, under strict health guidelines, on the Easter weekend. That will be on Good Friday, April 15 and Easter Sunday, April 17. Services outside of those two days can be requested. And it is up to the churches to have services or not.
Schools will remain closed for the two weeks, with online and radio schooling continuing.
Members of the public can participate in outdoor sports such as tennis, golf and pickle ball. Physical exercise is also open, with health guidelines to be followed.
The Hon. Hu’akavameiliku stated, Cabinet had also agreed to allow women and families to do their work for tapa making but they will need to follow health guidelines.
Ministry of Health officers and Tonga Police Force personnel will be monitoring the activities.
Curfew hours will remain from 8pm to 5am.
Ha’apai
Members of the public in Ha’apai will have services opened to them on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the next two weeks.
Ministry of Health teams are currently carrying out surveillance work on the islands and tracing contacts of those reported positive for Omicron.
Health update
The Hon. Hu’akavameiliku stated government was happy to see the number of new positive cases dropping to around 100 as daily average.
He applauded members of the public who continue to follow restriction advice and the Ministry of Health for the work they are doing.
There were 143 new cases in the last 24 hours, 1,969 active and 5,541 recoveries since February 1, 2022.
Vaccination rates stands at 98% for first dose, 90 for second dose and 50% for Booster shots.
House assistance
Hon Hu’akavameiliku stated that Government was happy about the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai Volcano and Tsunami rebuilding program, with the first house completed and presented to the owner at ‘Ahau Village here on Tongatapu yesterday (April 5).
Government will now also plan for rebuilding of houses on affected islands in Ha’apai.
Members of the public who also lost houses as a result of the January 15 event can lodge their application for assistance with the Ministry of Infrastructure with supporting documents.
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