Prime Minister confirms that COVID-19 cases are confirmed throughout Tonga ^Featured

The Prime Minister, the Hon Hu’akavameiliku confirmed this at a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ conference room at the St George Building in Nuku’alofa.

“Positive cases have now been recorded in ‘Eua and the two Niuas, which means that all islands of Tonga now have COVID-19 cases,” the Hon Prime Minister stated. “But the good news is there are no cases admitted at any Ministry of Health facility and there have been no serious cases reported.”

Health update

The Minister for Health, Hon Dr Saia Piukala confirmed that there were new cases reported in the last week. Hon Dr Piukala also confirmed there were 31 new cases at the Hu’atolitoli Prison who are now in managed isolation at the Prison.

He stated eight flights have been received in Tonga since August 1, with 1,041 passengers arriving on them. Hon Dr Piukala said everyone should continue to follow COVID-19 health guidelines, including those who travel in from overseas.

“There is no change in the advise we are giving out and we just ask people to follow the guidelines that are being used.

The borders are being opened so we can allow our people to return home or visit families but at the same time we ask that everyone follow the guidelines so that we are able to protect our people,” Hon Dr Piukala added.

Education assistance

On education assistance, the Hon Prime Minister, who is also Minister for Education, stated that Government’s laptop assistance for Forms 6 and 7 students will arrive this month.

“The i3 and i5 computers should be here this month and that will be given out according to the 50% funded by government and 50% by families,” the Hon Hu’akavameiliku said.

“Those who are not able to assist will be able to access laptops from the lot of 382 laptops we have secured from New Zealand that are here now and being managed and distributed by the Ministry of Education.”

Farmers, a New Zealand company, had supplied the laptops, with negotiations done by Hon Jenny Salesa, a Member of Parliament in New Zealand.

The Hon Hu’akavameiliku also revealed that four (4) boats from New Zealand are also being received to help those who need that in the current recovery and rebuilding program following the January 15 Hunga Tonga – Hunga Ha’apai volcano and tsunami.

Kava

The Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon Dr Viliami Latu, said Government is trying to push for investments in the local kava industry.

He said consultations have been done in the past with Kava Growers and government was asked to work on legislating Kava as an export commodity, in line with standards to match the Australian quality benchmark and other international requirements.

“That includes matching the standards and lifting the requirements like for bar codes, packing and labelling,” Hon Dr Latu said. He said Vanuatu and Fiji are doing the same and they are able to assist their own Kava growers.

Fuel Costs

On local fuel costs, the Hon Dr Latu said there is plan to reduce costs by 14% from the current cost. He also confirmed that Government subsidy of 20 seniti per litre will be in place for some time.

The Hon Hu’akavameiliku added that Government is now working on the Queen Salote Wharf expansion plan to also allow for larger fuel tankers to be able to berth here in the future.