[1] On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.

However, both referendums failed to achieve the two-thirds majority need to advance to free association and Tokelau remains a dependent territory.

Tokelau is governed by a legislative body known as the General Fono with each of the three atolls having a taupulega (village councils).

Kelihiano Kalolo, the Head of the Government of Tokelau, confirmed the territory's first community outbreak in the Fakaofo atoll.

Tokelau Covid-19 response chairman Aukusitino Vitale justified Tokelau's border restrictions, citing the limited capabity of the dependency's health infrastructure, health work force, and small population.