aid

Australia has also promised to help the Pacific nation identify the source of the outbreak by testing samples from the two dock workers who tested positive on Tuesday. 

The number of Covid cases grew from two to five today after three family members of one of those workers also tested positive. 

Tongan authorities feared an influx of international planes and ships delivering water, shelter and food supplies in the wake of the devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami last month, could bring COVID-19 to the nation.

At present ash has been spotted at 63,000 feet.

The government is also announcing a $500,000 donation which is very much a starting point, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

A naval vessel has also been put on standby to assist if necessary.

The funding package will be a rapid release of pre-positioned stores and food items to assist people who remain in evacuation centres.

The supplies will give communities access to safe drinking water and basic hygiene for those who have lost houses and remain displaced.