Nationwide Institutes of Well being/AP
A Covid-19 case travelled from Christchurch to Tonga and examined constructive whereas in managed isolation. (File photograph).
An immunologist is warning of doubtless “catastrophic” penalties for Tonga, if a case that flew into the island nation isn’t contained.
The individual with Covid-19 travelled from Christchurch. It’s the first-ever case of the virus for the island nation.
Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu mentioned information of the case was “heart-breaking” for Tonga.
“Tonga has been considered one of a bunch of nations throughout the Pacific area that has managed to guard its individuals by preserving the virus in another country for therefore lengthy. If this case shouldn’t be contained, the potential penalties for the Tongan nation might be catastrophic.”
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NZ was persevering with to see triple-digit Covid-19 instances confirmed, Sika-Paotonu mentioned.
The case that travelled to Tonga “possible signifies extra Covid-19 unfold within the Christchurch neighborhood than is being at present mirrored by the Covid-19 case numbers”, she mentioned.
The constructive Covid-19 case was amongst 215 passengers to reach in Tonga on Wednesday, Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa confirmed.
Ross Giblin/Stuff
Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu: “If this case shouldn’t be contained, the potential penalties for the Tongan nation might be catastrophic.”
The case was examined whereas in managed isolation on the Tanoa Resort on Thursday, throughout routine testing, and returned a constructive consequence on Friday.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Well being was investigating the Tonga case.
In an announcement, the ministry mentioned the individual returned a adverse pre-departure take a look at earlier than leaving Christchurch.
They have been absolutely vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine and had obtained their second dose two weeks in the past.
A ministry spokesperson declined to reply additional questions in regards to the case. “We don’t have additional data at this stage. There might be an extra replace [on Saturday].”
The Tongan prime minister made the announcement on nationwide radio on Friday, asking Tongans to arrange themselves for the weekend, comply with curfews and apply social distancing.
As of October 25, round 31 per cent of the inhabitants in Tonga had been absolutely vaccinated, in response to Our World In Data, and round 16 per cent had obtained one dose.
One-way quarantine-free journey was set to start with Tonga, along with Samoa, Tokelau and Vanuatu, on November 8.
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