Citizens of Tonga flocked to vaccination centres Saturday after the government warned that the main island, Tongatapu, might be put into lockdown next week.
The virus spread through a traveller
The infected traveller was among 215 people on a flight from the New Zealand city of Christchurch. Christchurch had been free from Covid for months until this week when four community cases were reported after a returning resident caught the virus in Aukland.
According to New Zealand health officials, the traveller to Tonga was fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine and tested negative before leaving for Tonga.
Tongan Health Ministry chief executive Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola said it was unfortunate that the plane had already left Christchurch before the news came of the community cases there.
Tonga prepares for a possible lockdown
Prime Minister Pohiva Tuionetoa warned islanders to prepare for a possible lockdown if more cases emerge. He also added that there is no need for immediate action as it could take “more than three days” before the virus becomes contagious.
“We should use this time to get ready in case more people are confirmed they have the virus,” he said.
About a third of Tonga’s population have been double vaccinated against Covid. And Tonga’s national immunisation coordinator Afu Tei said that “almost 2 000” more vaccines have been administered since the news broke out.
The Prime Minister further plans to make an announcement about any future lockdowns on Monday, 1 November.