First aid shipments leave for Tonga, amid fears aid workers could bring ‘tsunami of Covid’

Australia and New Zealand dispatch naval vessels carrying material to help provide temporary shelter and clean drinking water after volcanic eruption

Australia and New Zealand have started to dispatch aid to Tonga, amid fears that relief workers could bring a tsunami of Covid" cases to the Pacific Island nation that has so far recorded just one case of the virus.

New Zealand has dispatched two naval vessels with relief supplies onboard. Defence minister Peeni Henare said they were expected to arrive in four days, though could arrive as soon as Friday if the weather holds.