What no one wanted to happen has happened. People asked how help and support could get to Tonga without exposing it to covid-19. Covid-19 has now reached Tongan soil via the relief efforts after the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Volcano. It was one of the few places that had never had covid at all on its shores.
The eruption and tsunami have left physical and emotional scars in its wake, and it might sound awful, but luckily only three people died; but the impact of those who died is not to be dismissed. Now a second problem and potential slew of infections could seep through the population and not only make it harder to recover from the eruption and tsunami, but change the landscape of Tonga forever.
Covid impacts every corner of society, whether stopping parts of it completely or making it go one step at a time, and always at least one step behind its infectious spread: the healthcare system, teaching, supermarkets, supply chains that is to say freight and cargo, the economy, flights, public transport, luxuries like eating out and going to the cinema.
Tonga is not a large place. It is not developed like France, Germany and the Netherlands for example. It has limited resources and a small population. Developed countries and populations in the millions are struggling to contain and stop covid spreading so by logic how does Tonga stand a chance if cases explode? By God, foreign help should be provided. NZ, Australia and maybe Japan and France like they are currently.
Not to forget the damaged underwater cable.
One thing I know about Tonga is it has a rugby team. I don't really know how good it is but if I remember correctly it's passionate and tries.
Tonga, may covid not impact you much and may you recover as soon as possible from the eruption and tsunami.
- A.M.
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