COVID-19

Following a virtual board meeting on Wednesday of the governing body running the game in England, CEO Bill Sweeney issued a letter outlining how they hope to tackle the crisis that led to the termination of the 2019/20 season last Friday for all levels of the game below the Gallagher Premiership.

“I am writing to advise you of the actions that have been agreed to offer a support package directly funded from the RFU worth £7m to provide support for community clubs in England,” he said. 

The Media Association of Tonga (MAT) calls on the public to be considerate, compassionate and empathetic during these times.

The journalists who are members of the association, endeavor to bring you credible and correct information.

With regards to social media, the Media Association of Tonga urged the public to wait until the information is official and not breaking news from individuals.

Taina Kami Enoka, association president cautioned those who was spreading fake news to stop it.

Bainimarama says the fifth case is a 31-year-old who was in direct contact with the first patient during zumba classes.

She started developing symptoms while in self-quarantine.

Bainimarama added the average age of our 5 cases is just 27 and anyone at any age can be a carrier.

The Prime Minister also stated that the Nadi Airport will be officially closed from tomorrow. 

He went on to say that it is likely that more cases will be confirmed in the future and everyone should be more vigilant.      

Government officials have given an update on the the Covid-19 national response, the latest health update, border issues and an essential services update.

Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said there were now 205 confirmed and probably cases, and there had been a total of 9780 tests undertaken so far.

Eight people who arrived in Auckland airport yesterday tested positive for Covid-19.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says early this morning, they confirmed the fourth case of COVID-19.

This patient is not related to our first three cases.

He is a 28 year old Fijian man who arrived back into the country on Saturday from Australia.

Bainimarama says when the man left that Fiji Airways flight FJ916 on March 21st, he was not showing any symptoms of COVID-19.

He says he was advised by health officials at the airport to go straight home and self-quarantine for 14 days.

The Prime Minister says it appears the man did everything right.

With the coronavirus alert level ramping up from level two to three on Monday and moving to level four from midnight Wednesday, the already tenuous Super Rugby replacement competition has been put on indefinite hold, putting further economic pressure on NZ Rugby.

The confirmation today from finance minister Grant Robertson that the Covid-19 financial relief package would be extended to incorporated societies means NZ Rugby will be eligible for a payout but Robinson said tonight what that looked like remained to be seen.

A Ministry of Health statement shows all aircraft expected to arrive in Tonga today Monday 23 until Saturday 28 had been cancelled in a bit to prevent COVID-19 spreading to the kingdom.

Tonga has no confirmed case of coronavirus.

When Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa announced on Friday Tonga was in a state of emergency over coronavirus pandemic he told reporters the government was raising the alert to another level.

As schools shut and some people work from home, many are feeling cut off from their everyday hobbies and social lives.

But the internet offers a means to stay connected and to keep us all entertained and educated through the days of isolation.

Here are just some of the ways people are already using technology to lift their spirits.

Socialising remotely

Groups have also been finding innovative ways to socialise, hosting dinner parties and even Brownies meetings online.

The series, which was to include a much-anticipated rematch between Tonga and New Zealand and other tests involving Samoa, PNG and the Cook Islands was originally scheduled for June.

However the Asia Pacific Rugby League Confederation said it was now looking at delivering fixtures in October and November.

Deputy Chair Greg Peters said the unprecedented measures had to be taken for the safety and well-being of players, staff and supporters.

He said the declaration was subject to further review.

Mr Tu’i’onetoa said Tonga has closed its borders to everyone but citizens and residents in an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Kaniva News reports the government has banned indoor gathering of more than 20 and outdoor gathering of more than 40 people.

Weddings, funerals, concerts, kava clubs, nightclubs and sports are banned.

The measures did not apply to churches and schools.

Mr Tu’i’onetoa made the announcement during a news conference Thursday afternoon.