Tonga reports its first coronavirus case
3 years, 2 months ago

Tonga reports its first coronavirus case

Al Jazeera  

Tonga’s prime minister will announce on Monday whether the island will be placed under a national lockdown. The nation island of Tonga has reported its first coronavirus infection since the beginning of the pandemic after a passenger travelling from New Zealand tested positive. In a radio address on Friday, Tonga’s Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa confirmed that there was one COVID-19 case among 215 passengers who arrived from the city of Christchurch, local media reported. Like many of its neighbours, Tonga’s isolation has helped keep it safe but it faces big challenges should the virus take hold due to its under-resourced health system. The health ministry’s chief executive Siale ‘Akau’ola also said that health workers, police and the entire staff working at the Fua’amotu airport when the Christchurch flight arrived were placed under quarantine.

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History of this topic

Samoa detects scores of COVID cases within days of outbreak
2 years, 9 months ago

Samoa detects scores of COVID cases within days of outbreak

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Samoa has reported scores of …

Samoa detects scores of cases daily in its first-ever coronavirus outbreak
2 years, 9 months ago

Samoa detects scores of cases daily in its first-ever coronavirus outbreak

LA Times  

A traditional boat is hauled ashore in Apia, Samoa, in 2015. Samoa has reported scores of new coronavirus cases daily since detecting its first-ever case of community transmission last week. The South Pacific island nation of 200,000 people has been in lockdown since Saturday as it deals with its first outbreak since a worldwide pandemic was declared two years ago. …

Aid to volcano-hit Tonga brings 1st COVID outbreak, lockdown
2 years, 11 months ago

Aid to volcano-hit Tonga brings 1st COVID outbreak, lockdown

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — For more than two years, the isolation of the Pacific archipelago nation of Tonga helped keep COVID-19 at bay. “Clearly when you’ve got countries that have already got a very stretched, and fragile health system, when you have an emergency or a disaster and then you have the potential introduction of the virus, that’s going to make an …

Aid reaching disaster-hit Tonga brings first virus outbreak
2 years, 11 months ago

Aid reaching disaster-hit Tonga brings first virus outbreak

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. "Clearly when you've got countries …

Covid-free Tonga goes into lockdown after five cases are recorded
2 years, 11 months ago

Covid-free Tonga goes into lockdown after five cases are recorded

Daily Mail  

Tonga is going into lockdown after uncovering five Covid cases thought to be linked to international aid deliveries arriving on the tsunami-devastated islands. Two port workers in the capital Nuku'alofa, where aid shipments are being unloaded, tested positive for the virus late Tuesday before another three cases were discovered among their family members - including two in children. Tonga has …

Tonga records two COVID-19 community cases, Pacific Island nation prepares for two-day lockdown
2 years, 11 months ago

Tonga records two COVID-19 community cases, Pacific Island nation prepares for two-day lockdown

ABC  

Tonga will enter a two-day nationwide lockdown from Wednesday night after recording two asymptomatic community cases of COVID-19. Key points: Tonga had been COVID-free and has not had any community transmission of the virus since the start of the pandemic The lockdown comes as the Pacific Island nation struggles to recover from a volcanic eruption and tsunami last month The …

COVID endangers fragile health systems in Pacific nations: Report
2 years, 11 months ago

COVID endangers fragile health systems in Pacific nations: Report

Al Jazeera  

Palau and Fiji have reported high vaccination rates allowing it to contain the virus but countries like the Solomon Islands are seeing a surge in cases. A record surge in COVID-19 cases is threatening to overwhelm hospitals and fragile health systems in the Pacific, from the Solomon Islands to Palau, according to the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent …

British, Australian ships deliver ‘contactless’ aid to Tonga
2 years, 11 months ago

British, Australian ships deliver ‘contactless’ aid to Tonga

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — British and Australian navy ships arrived in Tonga on Wednesday and attempted to deliver aid without making contact with anybody ashore to avoid spreading the coronavirus in a nation which has never had an outbreak. The danger of spreading the disease was underscored when nearly two dozen sailors aboard the Australian ship HMAS Adelaide were reported infected …

Covid outbreak on Australian aid ship headed to virus-free Tonga
2 years, 11 months ago

Covid outbreak on Australian aid ship headed to virus-free Tonga

Deccan Chronicle  

Almost two dozen crew on board an Australian Navy ship on its way to provide relief to the Pacific island of Tonga have been diagnosed with coronavirus, potentially hampering aid efforts to the Covid-free nation. Dutton said the Australian government was working with Tongan authorities to ensure the aid could still be delivered safely without passing on Covid to anyone …

Two thirds of passengers on first flight to Covid-free island test positive
2 years, 11 months ago

Two thirds of passengers on first flight to Covid-free island test positive

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The island of Kiribati had managed to stay Covid-free for the entirety of the pandemic - …

Tonga latest news: Three dead and all homes destroyed on one island, government says
2 years, 11 months ago

Tonga latest news: Three dead and all homes destroyed on one island, government says

The Independent  

✕ Close Tonga underwater volcanic eruption that triggered tsunami captured by space satellite For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and …

Tonga records first-ever COVID-19 case, Pacific island nation prepares for lockdown
3 years, 2 months ago

Tonga records first-ever COVID-19 case, Pacific island nation prepares for lockdown

ABC  

Residents on Tonga's main island will go into a snap lockdown at midnight after the country recorded its first COVID-19 case since the beginning of the pandemic. Key points: Residents on Tonga's main island will begin a seven-day lockdown from Tuesday, with a daily curfew from 8pm to 6am The move comes after a passenger from New Zealand tested positive …

Tonga faces lockdown after first COVID case is detected
3 years, 2 months ago

Tonga faces lockdown after first COVID case is detected

Al Jazeera  

Prime Minister Pohiva Tuionetoa says South Pacific nation of 106,000 people could be locked down next week if infection spreads. Tongan Prime Minister Pohiva Tuionetoa warned on Saturday that residents on the country’s main island Tongatapu faced a possible lockdown next week after recording its first case of COVID-19. “We should use this time to get ready in case more …

Tonga reports its first ever COVID-19 case of the pandemic in traveller from New Zealand
3 years, 2 months ago

Tonga reports its first ever COVID-19 case of the pandemic in traveller from New Zealand

ABC  

The island nation of Tonga has reported its first-ever case of COVID-19 after a traveller from New Zealand tested positive. Key points: The island nation had remained COVID-free until now The case is a traveller from Christchurch who departed before the news came of community cases there New Zealand health officials said the traveller was fully vaccinated and returned a …

Tonga reports its first-ever COVID-19 case
3 years, 2 months ago

Tonga reports its first-ever COVID-19 case

NPR  

Tonga reports its first-ever COVID-19 case Enlarge this image toggle caption Mark Baker/AP Mark Baker/AP WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The island nation of Tonga on Friday reported its first-ever case of COVID-19 after a traveler from New Zealand tested positive. Sponsor Message Tonga's Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa said in a radio address that the traveler was among 215 passengers who …

New Zealand admits it can no longer get rid of coronavirus
3 years, 3 months ago

New Zealand admits it can no longer get rid of coronavirus

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand’s government acknowledged Monday what most other countries did long ago: It can no longer completely get rid of the coronavirus. Despite New Zealand going into the strictest form of lockdown after just a single local case was detected, it ultimately wasn’t enough to crush the outbreak entirely. “For this outbreak, it’s clear that long …

New Zealand admits it can no longer get rid of coronavirus
3 years, 3 months ago

New Zealand admits it can no longer get rid of coronavirus

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy New Zealand's government acknowledged Monday …

New Zealand admits it can no longer get rid of coronavirus
3 years, 3 months ago

New Zealand admits it can no longer get rid of coronavirus

India TV News  

New Zealand’s government acknowledged Monday what most other countries did long ago: It can no longer completely get rid of the coronavirus. Despite New Zealand going into the strictest form of lockdown after just a single local case was detected, it ultimately wasn’t enough to crush the outbreak entirely. Ardern said the elimination strategy had served the country incredibly well …

New Zealand admits it can no longer completely get rid of the coronavirus
3 years, 3 months ago

New Zealand admits it can no longer completely get rid of the coronavirus

LA Times  

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern arrives for a news conference in Wellington on Monday. New Zealand’s government acknowledged Monday what most other countries did long ago: It can no longer completely get rid of the coronavirus. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a cautious plan to ease lockdown restrictions in the country’s largest city, Auckland, despite an outbreak there that …

New Zealand says foreign nationals must have coronavirus vaccination to enter country from November
3 years, 3 months ago

New Zealand says foreign nationals must have coronavirus vaccination to enter country from November

CNN  

CNN — All foreign nationals entering New Zealand will need to be fully vaccinated from November 1, the government announced Sunday. The announcement came as New Zealand Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern placed a new region outside Auckland under a five-day lockdown, as the country’s Covid-19 Delta variant outbreak spreads. New Zealand’s flagship airline Air New Zealand also announced Sunday that …

Coronavirus New Zealand: Lockdown to end in NZ but stay in place for Auckland after 20 new cases
3 years, 4 months ago

Coronavirus New Zealand: Lockdown to end in NZ but stay in place for Auckland after 20 new cases

Daily Mail  

Jacinda Ardern's government is ending New Zealand's lockdown outside Auckland after seeing a dip in COVID-19 cases. In a likely reference to Australia, Ms Ardern said 'what I don't want to do is make the mistake of moving too quickly and then seeing a resurgence because that has happened with Delta before' Places outside of NZ's biggest city will shift …

New Zealand COVID-19 outbreak claims first death in six months
3 years, 4 months ago

New Zealand COVID-19 outbreak claims first death in six months

Deccan Chronicle  

Wellington: New Zealand recorded its first Covid-related death in six months Saturday, but health authorities said there were signs the outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant was coming under control. Authorities said the woman was a household contact of a person who had already tested positive for the virus in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city with a population of …

A single coronavirus case puts New Zealand into national lockdown
3 years, 4 months ago

A single coronavirus case puts New Zealand into national lockdown

LA Times  

Shoppers line up outside a supermarket in Auckland, New Zealand, on Tuesday. New Zealand’s government took drastic action Tuesday by putting the entire nation in strict lockdown for at least three days after finding a single case of community spread of the coronavirus. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern invoked some of the stirring rhetoric she used early in the pandemic by …

Virus outbreak in Fiji batters economy, tests health system
3 years, 6 months ago

Virus outbreak in Fiji batters economy, tests health system

Associated Press  

SUVA, Fiji — A growing coronavirus outbreak in Fiji is stretching the health system and devastating the economy. Fiji’s government has delivered nearly 40,000 packages of food rations to people who have been isolating at home or are in targeted lockdown areas. Australia and New Zealand have sent vaccines, money and medical teams to help Fiji’s overburdened health system. James …

Fiji was once first in line for an Aussie travel bubble, now it's battered by COVID. What happened?
3 years, 6 months ago

Fiji was once first in line for an Aussie travel bubble, now it's battered by COVID. What happened?

ABC  

As the Pacific's most mature and developed economy, Fiji has endured a bruising 12 months. The Reserve Bank of Fiji estimates the economy contracted by 19 per cent last year, a number that would presage societal collapse if it were recorded here in Australia. Fiji has now recorded close to 900 cases in this outbreak, with half of those cases …

Cases linked to Delta strain explode in Fiji, as government struggles to control outbreak
3 years, 7 months ago

Cases linked to Delta strain explode in Fiji, as government struggles to control outbreak

ABC  

Young mother Vaseva Radinivanuakula was shocked when her entire village in Fiji was put under lockdown. Key points: Fiji recorded a daily record of 83 cases on Sunday The outbreak is linked to the highly infectious Delta strain The government is being urged to introduce a lockdown on businesses Authorities said that a funeral held last Thursday in her tiny …

New Zealand coronavirus: borders may stay shut for most of the year Jacinda Ardern says
3 years, 11 months ago

New Zealand coronavirus: borders may stay shut for most of the year Jacinda Ardern says

CNN  

New Zealand’s borders will remain closed for most of this year as the Covid-19 pandemic rages on, but the country will pursue travel arrangements with neighbouring Australia and other Pacific nations, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Tuesday. Medical authorities, meanwhile, may approve a Covid-19 vaccine as early as next week, Ardern said, as pressure mounts for a start to …

New Zealand reports first case of coronavirus in community in months
3 years, 11 months ago

New Zealand reports first case of coronavirus in community in months

ABC  

New Zealand has reported its first coronavirus case outside of a quarantine facility in more than two months, although there is no immediate evidence the virus is spreading in the community. Key points: The woman twice tested negative for coronavirus while in hotel quarantine Authorities are looking into whether she caught the virus from another returning traveller Pressure is growing …

Tonga's dog population surges as coronavirus restrictions keep foreign vets out of the country
3 years, 11 months ago

Tonga's dog population surges as coronavirus restrictions keep foreign vets out of the country

ABC  

While dog shelters were left empty and people in Australia had to wait months for a dog due to the surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tonga's main island of Tongatapu has had the opposite problem. Key points: Foreign-funded desexing programs have been put on hold in Tonga One project was set to desex 1,200 dogs on the island …

New Zealand records nearly a dozen new Covid-19 cases after eliminating virus — twice
4 years, 2 months ago

New Zealand records nearly a dozen new Covid-19 cases after eliminating virus — twice

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Eleven fishermen have tested positive …

New Zealand to lift virus curbs in most of country on September 21
4 years, 3 months ago

New Zealand to lift virus curbs in most of country on September 21

Deccan Chronicle  

Wellington: New Zealand will lift coronavirus restrictions across the country on September 21, except in its biggest city, Auckland, which is the epicentre of a second wave of infections, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday. She also said the government would immediately ease all physical distancing requirements on planes, a boost for Air New Zealand, which has had to …

Jacinda Ardern wants to eliminate coronavirus in New Zealand. Is she setting herself up to fail?
4 years, 4 months ago

Jacinda Ardern wants to eliminate coronavirus in New Zealand. Is she setting herself up to fail?

CNN  

CNN — In mid-March, as the coronavirus pandemic began to take hold in Europe and the United States, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern presented her country with a choice. As top scientist Peter Gluckman, former Prime Minister Helen Clark, and former Air New Zealand chief executive Rob Fyfe wrote in a paper in July: “As smugglers have known for …

New Zealand extends Auckland lockdown as coronavirus cluster grows after 102 days of lull
4 years, 4 months ago

New Zealand extends Auckland lockdown as coronavirus cluster grows after 102 days of lull

New Indian Express  

WELLINGTON: New Zealand's government on Friday extended a lockdown of its largest city Auckland for another 12 days as it tries to stamp out its first domestic coronavirus outbreak in more than three months. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said extending the Auckland lockdown, which began Wednesday, would give authorities time to get a handle on the virus cluster and isolate …

New Zealand imposes 12-day lockdown in Auckland as it battles fresh Covid-19 outbreak
4 years, 4 months ago

New Zealand imposes 12-day lockdown in Auckland as it battles fresh Covid-19 outbreak

CNN  

CNN — New Zealand has extended a lockdown in its most populous city as the country battles a fresh community coronavirus outbreak that comes after months without anylocally transmitted cases. “We have got rid of Covid before … We can do all of that again.” Earlier Friday, New Zealand’s Director General of Health Dr. Ashley Bloomfield announced another 12 locally-transmitted …

New Zealand’s virus outbreak grows to 17 cases, likely to increase further
4 years, 4 months ago

New Zealand’s virus outbreak grows to 17 cases, likely to increase further

Deccan Chronicle  

Wellington: A puzzling new outbreak of the coronavirus in New Zealand’s largest city grew to 17 cases on Thursday, with officials saying the number will likely increase further. At this stage, though, it’s heartening to see them in one cluster.” Bloomfield said he expected that sooner or later the new cases would be linked to somebody who had arrived in …

New Zealand coronavirus: Country acclaimed world leader in handling Covid-19 deals with fresh outbreak
4 years, 4 months ago

New Zealand coronavirus: Country acclaimed world leader in handling Covid-19 deals with fresh outbreak

CNN  

CNN — New Zealand reported 13 new community coronavirus cases on Thursday as the country tackles a fresh outbreak that ended an enviable run of more than 100 days without any locally transmitted infections. “We should expect that to be the case here.” New Zealand’s outbreak is a dramatic turn of events for the country, which was heralded as a …

New Zealand issues stay-at-home orders as COVID-19 makes a comeback
4 years, 4 months ago

New Zealand issues stay-at-home orders as COVID-19 makes a comeback

Deccan Chronicle  

Wellington: Health authorities in New Zealand were scrambling Wednesday to trace the source of a new outbreak of the coronavirus as the nation’s largest city went back into lockdown. Authorities said two of the people who had tested positive had travelled to the tourist city of Rotorua last weekend while suffering symptoms and they were now trying to track their …

New Zealand reinstates coronavirus restrictions after first locally transmitted case in 102 days
4 years, 4 months ago

New Zealand reinstates coronavirus restrictions after first locally transmitted case in 102 days

CNN  

CNN — New Zealand’s most populous city has gone back under lockdown after new locally transmitted coronavirus cases broke the 102-day streak the country had gone without recording a local infection. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed four new locally transmitted coronavirus cases on Tuesday night, and announced that Auckland will temporarily see level three restrictions introduced for three …

New Zealand reports return of coronavirus after 102 days
4 years, 4 months ago

New Zealand reports return of coronavirus after 102 days

Al Jazeera  

PM Arden orders Auckland into lockdown after four new locally transmitted cases found in the same family. New Zealand has announced its first locally transmitted coronavirus infections in more than 100 days, prompting Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to issue a stay-at-home lockdown order for the country’s largest city, Auckland. After New Zealand receiving global praise for its success in containing …

How New Zealand went 100 days with no community coronavirus transmission
4 years, 4 months ago

How New Zealand went 100 days with no community coronavirus transmission

CNN  

CNN — New Zealand has marked an enviable milestone – more than 100 days since its last coronavirus case was acquired locally from an unknown source. Don’t let the team down – none of us can afford to do that.” How New Zealand did it New Zealand’s strategy was simple: in the words of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the country …

New Zealand marks 100 days without virus transmission
4 years, 5 months ago

New Zealand marks 100 days without virus transmission

Deccan Chronicle  

Wellington: New Zealand marked 100 days on Sunday with no recorded cases of the coronavirus in the community but health officials warned there was no room for complacency. "Achieving 100 days without community transmission is a significant milestone, however, as we all know, we can't afford to be complacent," director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield said. New Zealand, with a population …

Can coronavirus threaten isolated Pacific nations?
4 years, 6 months ago

Can coronavirus threaten isolated Pacific nations?

Al Jazeera  

Tourism-reliant Pacific island nations worried about economic impact of pandemic. On Thursday, July 2 at 19:30 GMT: The Pacific Islands have not escaped the attention of the coronavirus, despite being some of the most isolated places in the world. Fiji, which has declared itself coronavirus-free after 18 COVID-19 patients recovered, says it now hopes to create a so-called “travel bubble” …

New Zealand confirms two new cases ending coronavirus free run
4 years, 6 months ago

New Zealand confirms two new cases ending coronavirus free run

Deccan Chronicle  

WELLINGTON: New Zealand said on Tuesday that it has two new cases of the coronavirus, both related to recent travel from the UK, ending a 24-day streak of no new infections in the country. The new infections are a set back to New Zealand, which lifted all social and economic restrictions except border controls last week, declaring it had no …

New Zealand coronavirus: two new cases reported after UK travelers test positive
4 years, 6 months ago

New Zealand coronavirus: two new cases reported after UK travelers test positive

CNN  

CNN — New Zealand has reported its first coronavirus cases in more than three weeks after two women who traveled to the country from the UK were found to have Covid-19. The infections are the first instances of coronavirus in New Zealand to be reported in 24 days, according to the country’s Ministry of Health. Bloomfield said that he has …

Coronavirus: New Zealand now Covid-19-free after last known patient recovers
4 years, 7 months ago

Coronavirus: New Zealand now Covid-19-free after last known patient recovers

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy New Zealand no longer has …

New Zealand becomes coronavirus-free as health officials say last infected persons has recovered; govt removes most restrictions
4 years, 7 months ago

New Zealand becomes coronavirus-free as health officials say last infected persons has recovered; govt removes most restrictions

Firstpost  

Jacinda Ardern said she was confident New Zealand had halted the spread of the virus but it still must be prepared for more. Wellington: New Zealand appears to have completely eradicated the coronavirus — at least for now — after health officials said Monday that the last known infected person had recovered. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she was confident …

With no active Covid-19 cases, New Zealand is lifting almost all its coronavirus restrictions
4 years, 7 months ago

With no active Covid-19 cases, New Zealand is lifting almost all its coronavirus restrictions

CNN  

CNN — Almost all coronavirus restrictions in New Zealand will be lifted tomorrow, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced, after the country reported no active cases. Social distancing, however, is still encouraged and Ardern said New Zealand’s international borders will remain shut to non-residents to prevent new outbreaks. At midnight on March 25, New Zealand moved to the strictest level …

New Zealand eradicates coronavirus, no active cases of Covid-19
4 years, 7 months ago

New Zealand eradicates coronavirus, no active cases of Covid-19

Live Mint  

New Zealand has eradicated the coronavirus from its shores after health officials reported Monday that the final person known to have been infected has recovered. It has been 17 days since the last new case was reported in New Zealand, and Monday also marked the first time since late February that there have been no active cases. “Having no active …

New Zealand Now Has Just 1 Active COVID-19 Case
4 years, 7 months ago

New Zealand Now Has Just 1 Active COVID-19 Case

NPR  

New Zealand Now Has Just 1 Active COVID-19 Case Enlarge this image toggle caption Kerry Marshall/Getty Images Kerry Marshall/Getty Images New Zealand is now down to only one active COVID-19 case, reaching a new level of success in its fight against the coronavirus. "For the seventh day in a row, there are no new cases of COVID-19 to report in …

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