State of Emergency extension

According to Prime Minister Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, novel coronavirus disease is a continuous public health emergency in Tonga.

In renewing the State of Emergency declaration, he said it is still necessary for emergency powers to be exercised in order to prevent or minimize risk and the loss of human life to Covid-19.

The declaration applied over all the land and sea areas of Tonga commenced Monday 12 April 2021 at 8pm.

It will end on Monday 10 May 2021 at 8pm, unless further renewed in accordance with the law.

Prime Minister Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa signed the extension of the declaration Monday.

Tonga has remained COVID-19 free since the health State of Emergency was first declared in March.

All restriction previously applied will continue.

These include a curfew from midnight to 5am and gatherings indoor limited to 50 people while outdoor gatherings are allowed up to 100 people.

The public is also urged to practice social distancing by keeping 1.5 metres away from the nearest person and comply with the Ministry of Health requirements for sanitation and hygiene.

Prime Minister Reverend Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa signed the declaration for the renewal of the State of Emergency after the last notice expired at 8pm yesterday (Thursday).

The public has been reminded to continue to practice restrictions for gatherings and social distancing.

Mass gatherings are not to exceed a total of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors in any gatherings except for religious services and education institutions.

An authorized officer must be present throughout funeral gatherings.