COVID breaks out on Australian ship heading to Tonga

Canberra, Jan 25: There has been a COVID-19 outbreak on board an Australian navy ship en route to Tonga laden with aid.

According to officials, 23 crew on board the vessel have tested positive for the virus. The ship was due to arrive in Tonga on Wednesday with emergency supplies, following the volcanic eruption and tsunami.

Charting the way forward

Speaking to broadcaster Sky News, Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton said Tuesday that the government was working with Tongan officials to decide on the next step.

"They need the aid desperately, but they don't want the risk of COVID," Dutton told Sky News. "We will work through all of that as quickly as we can."

Australia's naval chief Michael Noonan tweeted on Thursday when the vessel had embarked on its journey: "HMAS Adelaide has deployed with emarked supplies to provide immediate contactless assistance to Tonga, following the eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hung Ha'apai."

#HMASAdelaide has deployed with embarked supplies to provide immediate contactless assistance to Tonga, following the eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai. 🇦🇺🇹🇴 Our People stand with our Pacific Family and are ready to provide contactless HADR supplies to Tonga. #OpTongaAssist pic.twitter.com/ajsj5M2aww

— Chief of Navy Australia (@CN_Australia) January 20, 2022

Source: DW