27 Jul 2022

Tokelaun family under tunoa again reject Covid-19 jab

From , 6:00 am on 27 July 2022

In Tokelau, a family that last year refused to get vaccinated against Covid-19 and as a result have been placed under tunoa, which roughly translates to house arrest, by community elders for 11 months; have once again turned down an opportunity to get vaccinated.

While Tokelau maintains its Covid-19 free status, tough measures have been implemented by local council members and village elders to make sure it stays that way.

At a meeting last week the family was told they would have another chance to get the jab and have since declined.

RNZ Pacific reporter Lydia Lewis has the story.

Final preparations before setting out to sea.

Final preparations before setting out to sea. Photo: Elena Pasilio