20 new positive Covid-19 cases were reported in the Kingdom this evening, bringing the total number of cases to 34.
Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni shared the update in a press conference earlier today.
These latest cases are close contacts of earlier cases and include both adults and children.
Testing is being conducted in red-zoned villages of Vaini and Pili, with clusters identified in Sopu and Halaano, both villages are now under strict lockdown orders.
The Ministry of Health has set up checkpoints to monitor the situation, and are testing all those living within the red zones.
98% of Tonga’s targeted population have received their first dose, while 88% have received their second. 2,000 people have received their booster shots.
The Prime Minister also announced the Government will subsidize the cost of power bills for families in Tongatapu and Vava’u.
Additional relief assistance will also be provided for ‘hard-pressed families’, particularly those not connected to electricity.
With the lockdown extended for an extra two weeks, homeschooling will be broadcast for students via radio.
Source: Government of Tonga
