The Kingdom of Tonga has recorded its first Covid-19 case.
The positive person was one of 215 people who arrived in Tonga on a repatriation flight from Christchurch on Wednesday.
Rumours have been circulating in Tonga that one of the people on the flight had the virus, in the wake of two people in Christchurch being confirmed with it early this week.
The Prime Minister, Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa made the announcement early this evening.
Prime Minister, Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa Photo: Tonga government
The infected person is still in isolation at the Tanoa Hotel in Nuku'alofa where passengers from the flight are in managed isolation for 21 days, but is expected to be moved to another facility.
Most of the passengers on the flight from Christchurch are seasonal workers and include most of the Tongan Olympic team.
All the people on the flight from Christchurch were required to have negative Covid tests prior to departure.
New Zealand's Ministry of Health said the positive case is is fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine, and had their second dose on 15 October.
It said it is working with New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and officials in Tonga to confirm the case.