3 Mar 2021

Tonga health official reflects on remaining Covid-19 free

From , 6:01 am on 3 March 2021

Health authorities in Tonga say they are proud of the effort put in to keep Covid-19 out of the country, one year into the pandemic.

The chief executive of the Ministry of Health Dr Siale 'Akau'ola  says like many other Pacific countries, Tonga was anxious when news of a new coronavirus started surfacing.

12 months later and Tonga is one of the dwindling number of countries that continues to remain free of Covid-19.

Even throughout the repatriation of Tongan citizens which started in July 2020 last year.

Our reporter Sela Jane Hopgood spoke with Dr 'Akau'ola about their efforts and she joins me now.

Malo e lelei Sela so what did Dr 'Akau'ola says about their approach when this all kicked off about this time last year?

Dr. Penisimani Poloniati trains staff as part of the COVID-19 response preparations in Tonga.

Dr. Penisimani Poloniati trains staff as part of the COVID-19 response preparations in Tonga. Photo: Supplied by Ministry of Health, Tonga