Volcano-devastated Tonga will close its borders today after Covid-19 was detected in the previously virus-free Pacific kingdom as it struggles to recover from last month's deadly disaster, officials have said.

Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni said two men tested positive this week in the capital Nuku'alofa and were in isolation.

He said the men had been working in the city's port, where humanitarian aid has been pouring in from around the globe since the January 15 eruption.

“The most important issue at the moment is to slow down and stop those who have been affected,” Sovaleni was quoted as saying by AFP.