Tonga: Authorities extend state of emergency until July 8 /update 10

Event

Tongan authorities announced on Monday, June 22, that the current state of emergency has been extended until 20:00 (local time) on July 8, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Additionally, the Kingdom of Tonga has also extended the Restrictions Notice until July 8, in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, including a nightly curfew from 00:00 - 05:00.

Authorities initially began lifting measures imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on May 4. As of May 15, social events and gatherings have been permitted and gyms and sports clubs allowed to reopen, although contact sports remain banned. Bars, nightclubs, and kava clubs have also been authorized to reopen. All borders remain closed to all foreign nationals.

As of June 22, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tonga. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term. 

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay. 

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.