Aussie neighbour plunged into snap Covid lockdown after two cases
Tonga has detected five cases of Covid-19, prompting a lockdown for the Pacific Island nation from 6pm on Wednesday.
Two asymptomatic cases were detected on Tuesday through routine testing at the wharf in Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa.
Both cases — who were fully vaccinated — had been working at the Queen Sālote Wharf and are now in isolation. They had been helping distribute aid in the aftermath of last month's Tongan tsunami.
Hours later, the number of cases grew to five after three family members of one of the workers tested positive.
The cases are the first community transmissions recorded in Tonga.
Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni told a local radio station the situation would be reviewed every 48 hours. Tonga had only recorded one case of Covid before this in November, 2021.
About 61 per cent of Tonga's 105,000 people are fully vaccinated.
Tonga still recovering from last month's disaster
Tonga is recovering from the eruption of the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano, 65km north of the capital Nuku’alofa on January 15.
Three people died as a result of the eruption which triggered a tsunami that destroyed villages and resorts and cut off communication.
In response to the disaster, navy ships from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, France and Britain delivered aid including drinking water, medical supplies and engineering equipment.
Australia has committed $3 million towards Tonga's recovery effort.
Possible Covid link to HMAS Adelaide aid delivery
Last week, 23 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were detected on board Australia's HMAS Adelaide, which arrived in Tonga to deliver aid supplies. The ship is currently suffering a power outage.
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It's not confirmed if Tuesday's cases are linked to the outbreak with Covid protocols in place.
"The ship is undertaking an entirely contactless delivery of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies," a statement from Australia's foreign affairs, defence and international development ministers said.
with AAP
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