5 Apr 2020

Tonga and Samoa extend anti-Covid-19 measures

8:16 am on 5 April 2020

Tonga and Samoa have announced extensions to measures put in place to safeguard the countries from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tonga's Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa ordered an extension to the national lockdown which was scheduled to end on Sunday.

Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa

Tonga PM, Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa Photo: Tonga government

It will now continue until Sunday 12 April, pending further renewal.

However from this Sunday, market and mobile vendors selling agricultural and fishery items can recommence their services, as can inter-island marine transport within Ha'apai, Vava'u and the Niuas.

Samoa declared an extension of its State of Emergency for another four weeks.

It was first declared two weeks ago.

Samoa's former prime minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

Samoa PM, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi Photo: Samoa Govt

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi made the announcement on National Radio 2AP saying it was likely there might be a relaxing of some of the conditions imposed.

Tuilaepa said Cabinet met with the National Emergency Organising Committee along with the leaders of the National Council of Churches.

"It's important that the leaders know and understand what government decisions are being made and why," he said.

He did not elaborate if any new restrictions had been ordered as part of the extension.

There are no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Tonga or Samoa.

Over the past 24 hours Papua New Guinea extended its state of emergency for two months, the Marshall Islands has banned inbound arrivals by air, banned all government-funded travel, and strongly urged citizens not to travel, and New Caledonia announced it was continuing restrictions on gatherings and movement until 13 April.