NZ and Tonga Health Ministries Investigate Reports of COVID-19 Positive Case in Tonga

The Ministry of Health is investigating reports in Tongan media of a positive COVID-19 result from a person who boarded a commercial flight to Tonga from Christchurch on Wednesday.

The case returned a negative pre-departure test before leaving New Zealand. They are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine and had their second dose on 15 October.

They were tested in routine Day 0 testing yesterday and returned a positive result today.

The New Zealand Health Ministry, along with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is working with officials in Tonga to confirm the case. There will be further updates tomorrow.

According to Matagi Tonga Online Tonga’s Prime Minister Rev. Dr. Pohiva Tu’ionetoa confirmed one positive COVID-19 test among the 215 passengers who arrived in Tonga from Christchurch on Wednesday.

Image credit: US Government CDC