The Tonga government is easing some Covid-19 restrictions from today.

It will allow the Talamahu Market in Nuku'alofa to open for the next two weeks and restaurants will be allowed to offer full service inside, with the night time curfew to run from 10pm to 5am.

Acting Prime Minister Poasi Tei said his government is easing some restrictions as cases in Tongatapu drop off.

But he said strict guidelines will remain in place with police and monitoring teams ensuring people follow the rules.

The official figures provided to the World Health Organisation show there were 248 new cases in the 24 hours to yesterday.

There have been 11 confirmed deaths since the outbreak with 9468 people having contracted Covid.

An Orange alert remains in force for Tongatapu, Vava'u and Ha'apai while 'Eua and the islands of Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou are still free from Covid-19.

Schools will remain closed in Tongatapu, Vava'u and Ha'apai.

Bars and kava clubs also remain closed.

The government said church leaders can hold services on Sundays only, but mask and social distancing directives must be followed.