Editor’s note: This story has been updated to make it clear that the new community cases was 30
The Ministry of Health is reporting 30 new community cases of Covid-19 taking the total number of cases in the latest community outbreak to 65, with one case been recovered.
It marks the highest number of daily Covid-19 cases recorded in Tonga since the pandemic began last week.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku has confirmed the new cases this morning saying Kolomotu’a, Mataika and Tu’anuku in Vava’u were the latest locations of interest linked to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Health Minister Saia Piukala said one positive case was detected in Tu’anuku, Vava’u and he expected the number to rise.
He said the 65 cases included 64 new active cases plus one which had been previously recovered.
He said more tests are expected in Vava’u.
All cases were double vaccinated except the positive case children.
Hon Piukala said the virus variant has been confirmed as Omicron.
He urged the public to vaccinate, wear face mask and there is no need to panic.
