RE: Poised to break out2 Feb 2022 10:40
Tonga goes into lockdown after tsunami aid brings COVID-19
6 hrs ago
|The Pacific nation of Tonga has gone into lockdown following the discovery of two coronavirus infections in the community.
The two cases are local port workers who had been helping to distribute aid received after a volcanic eruption and tsunami last month.
The disaster polluted drinking water, severed communications, killed three people, and left dozens homeless.
Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the UK, and China all offered to deliver aid, but steps were put in place to try to make sure they did not also bring COVID-19.
Australia was among the countries to bring aid to Tonga© Reuters Australia was among the countries to bring aid to Tonga
Tonga had previously reported just one case of the virus - a missionary returning from Africa via New Zealand in October. Arrivals are usually required to spend three weeks in quarantine.