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Selfish action puts country at risk: PM

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

One of four new covid-19 cases had refused to wear mask in plane

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

SELFISH attitude of one returning national repatriated on Sunday night’s flight has put the country at greater risk to the virus.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Tuesday 27th October, said this while announcing the country’s four new covid-19 cases, all from this flight.

One of the four new cases had reportedly refused to wear a face mask in the plane, and was also reported to have moved about during flight.

This selfish attitude and action has possibly exposed a greater number of other passengers to the risk of contracting the virus, something which the ongoing contact tracing will confirm soon.

“It has also been reported to the government that one of the soccer players who is positive refused to wear a mask during the flight from Auckland to Honiara, despite being asked to do so repeatedly.

“We know who that individual is, and both he and the nation, need to know that his selfish actions in the plane had put many more passengers that came in on the flight last night at greater risk of exposure to the virus, and he had put our country in danger. We will of course deal with this matter after the completion of the mandatory quarantine period.”

He stressed it is the country’s standard obligation that all passengers must complete their pre-departure tests and truthfully fill a risk assessment form that is assessed by our health team before passengers are allowed to board.

“Fellow citizens, I had always highlighted to you, any risk behaviours by our returning citizens, that had been reported to us that puts other people and our country at risk. This flight on Sunday 25th October is no different,” said Sogavare.

He adds, all the soccer players tested negative three times. They each sent their completed forms. However, our contact tracing had already established that not all the questions were answered honestly.

Now is the proper time for repatriation: Manetiva

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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Premier of Central Islands Province, Stanley Manetiva

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

IT is said that now is the proper time for national government to repatriate citizens in Honiara to their provinces having Solomon Islands already registering positive Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases.

When Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare called for repatriation early March this year, there was still no Covid-19 case in the country. Now having confirmed cases in the country, Premier Stanley Manetiva of Central Islands Province (CIP) from his view said it is just proper for repatriation to take place.

However since the early repatriation resulting also in the tragic loss of 27 lives on MV Taimareho at Are’Are, it is pointed out that the government is not mentioning any such move again of repatriating citizens purposely to reduce the population in Honiara in order to help in measures of control.

“My view in this time of situation is that it is just proper repatriation should take place,” said Manetiva.

“People after repatriating early this year have been returning back to Honiara on which funds should be available again to send them back to the provinces.

 “On that note, hospitals and clinics in all provinces must have their quarantine and isolation centres.

“Also, before repatriation takes place, some small economic plans must be in place for the people.

“People must participate in fisheries and agriculture small scale projects such as planting of kava, ginger and cassava farms.

“My point, SIG must not just repatriate people back home. They must give them activities to keep them busy during this time, more on participatory.

“For repatriation, no other people from different provinces should go to other provinces as well as they must go back to their home of origin.”

4 new cases

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Members of the Oversight Committee recently. Photo PETER ZOLEVEKE II

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE country has recorded four new cases of covid-19.

This brings the national tally to eight cases in total; four active, four inactive and fully recovered.

All four new cases are asymptomatic, continuing the country’s remarkable record of 100 percent asymptomatic cases.

Early this week, Solomon Islands had a few hours of respite with news of zero active cases after the fourth case was announced with negative covid-19 result. However, public on Monday were alerted to four passengers from the high-risk flight on Sunday night who were red-flagged, pending test results.

Yesterday, prime minister Manasseh Sogavare broke the grim news that the four had tested positive for covid-19.

PM Sogavare, in an earlier address on Monday this week, had said that contact tracing had begun when the four were red-flagged during tarmac testing on Sunday night.

With the help of the newly introduced tarmac testing, potential SARS-CoV-2 carriers can be spotted as soon as they set foot off the plane, allowing authorities to quarantine red-flagged passengers from the rest as mandatory testing continues.

And, with contact tracing underway, other passengers who may have been exposed to the four cases will soon be identified and monitored.

In his special national address yesterday, Mr Sogavare said, “Fellow citizens I very much regret to once again, inform the nation, these four tests had been confirmed positive for covid-19.

“All four cases are from the 16 returning soccer players that had been stranded in the United Kingdom since early this year.

“All the sixteen players were seated together in the flight which minimises the risk of potential spread to other passengers. All passengers on the flight were also required to wear protective face masks.

“All four are in the isolation units at the NRH. The rest of the soccer players are quarantined together,” said Sogavare.

He said the remaining travellers from the UK, France and Italy that had been tested on Monday night are quarantined in single rooms to minimise any potential spread should any of them become positive.

“Despite the four new cases, and the likelihood for some more in the coming days, the planning and execution by our front-liners had given us confidence we have contained the infection to the isolation facility. Any further possible infection will be captured in the quarantine stations and dealt with decisively.

“My good people, your Government remains committed and vigilant in our fight against covid-19. Our determination is stronger than ever. Our resolve has never wavered. Our mission to contain and eliminate covid-19 from our shores is attainable,” said Sogavare.

PM ANNOUNCES FOUR NEW CASES

Written by
Press Release
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has today announced four new COVID-19 cases in the country.

Speaking during a special address this afternoon, the Prime Minister said all four cases are from our 16 soccer players that had been stranded in the United Kingdom since early this year.

He said all the returning 16 players were seated together in the flight, which minimises the risk of potential spread to other passengers.

The four were the ones that were red flagged upon arrival from Auckland on Sunday night.

The Prime Minister said all passengers on the flight were also required to wear protective facemasks.

“All four cases are currently in the Isolation units at the NRH. The rest of the soccer players are quarantined together,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare said the remaining travellers from the United Kingdom, France and Italy were also tested last night.

He said all of them have been quarantined in single rooms to minimise any potential spread should any of them become positive.

Prime Minister Sogavare said it is a standard requirement that all passengers must complete their pre-departure tests and truthfully fill a risk assessment questionnaire that is assessed by the health team before passengers are allowed to board.

“All the soccer players were tested negative three times. They each sent their filled questionnaires. However, our contact tracing had already established that not all the questions were answered truthfully,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said it was also reported to the government that one of the soccer players who was positive refused to wear a mask during the flight from Auckland to Honiara, despite being asked to do so repeatedly.

“We know who that individual is, and both he and the nation, need to know that his selfish actions in the plane had put many more passengers that came in on the flight last night at greater risk of exposure to the virus, and he had put our country in danger,” he said.

The Prime Minister said responsible authorities will deal with the matter after the completion of the mandatory quarantine period.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said the four initial cases from our students from Philippines have since recovered and are now COVID-19 free.

He said they will be released after a further three negative tests after the majority of the students are released between 2nd -4th November 2020.

Police warns against visiting foreign vessels

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Press Release
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THE Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) warns against outboard motors (OBMs) going out to foreign vessels while anchored at sea in the Port Cruz Harbour area.

RSIPF Maritime Division, Commander Chief Superintendent, Charles Fox says, “The Maritime Division is assisting the  Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources as part of the covid-19 ongoing operation, to make sure  OBMs do not visit the foreign vessels anchored in the Point Cruz harbour in an operation which begun on October 21, 2020.”

“This Operation is purposely to prohibit outboard motors (OBM) from going out to the foreign vessels upon their arrival into the country and anchored outside in the Point Cruz Harbour area.

“Our police maritime officers will patrol the vicinity of the transhipment vessels to make sure no one is allowed to go out to those foreign fishing vessels.

“OBMs and all other canoes are prohibited. Any body found breaching the Covid-19 Maritime Regulation will be prosecuted.

“Sea patrols will be done regularly to closely monitor the movement of OBMs and other small crafts.

“The crew on the foreign vessels are not allowed to go ashore from the vessels and no one is allowed to board the vessels as stipulated under the Covid-19 Regulations.

“I want to appeal to the general public and to the fish sellers to follow the Regulation that the Government has put in place to protect us all from the covid-19 pandemic.”

–POLICE MEDIA

75 nurses and 55 doctors in covid-19 deployment

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Registered nurse taking make their pledge.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

A total of 75 nurses and 55 doctors working at the National Referral Hospital are enlisted into the covid-19 deployment roster, says Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

“A total of 75 nurses and 55 doctors currently working at the National Referral Hospital are enlisted into the covid-19 deployment roster where they will be deployed for covid-19 operations for two weeks. After completion of the deployment, they will return back to their normal duties,” Sogavare said yesterday, in his national address.

He said Ministry of Health and Medical Services as part of its response measure to covid-19, last week they awarded full registration to 78 nurses. They are now ready to be deployed to support both normal health services at the National Referral Hospital as well as covid-19 operations.

“This is important as many of our nurses at the National Referral Hospital are also engaged with covid-19 operations. These new and fully registered nurses will greatly alleviate pressure on the already outstretched number of nurses at our hospital,” said Sogavare.

Government remain committed to western border security and surveillance

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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RSIPF Patrol boat Gizo. Photo by Austal.

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

NATIONAL Government remains committed to security and surveillance at the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (PNG) border.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said support towards strengthening community preparedness and response to Coronavirus (Covid-19) is ongoing by the Western Provincial health teams along the western border communities.

Mr Sogavare said the Government last week through the health ministry has also supported other normal health services, which includes TB and Immunization of children.

“Fellow Solomon Islanders, as I have always reiterated, your Government remains committed to security and surveillance at the SI/PNG border,” said Sogavare.

“Support towards strengthening community preparedness and response to COVID-19 is ongoing by the Western Provincial health teams along the western border communities. Last week, the Government through the health ministry has also supported other normal health services, which includes TB and Immunization of children.

“Health support towards the on-site Coordination and Command Centre in the Shortland Islands is ongoing with the completion and operationalization of the center last week. This is important to have a multi-sectoral coordination site in Short-lands for the duration of the COVID-19 situation to continue to ensure effective and efficient response at the border.

“Also last week, we have received reports of an alleged illegal exchange of goods between locals in Noro and crews of a ship that have undergone quarantine outside of Noro Port. Authorities have been notified and the western province health rapid response team swiftly conducted risk assessments. Although, it was concluded that the risk level was low, I urge citizens and foreign fishing vessels to respect the country’s quarantine laws.”

Government readjusts finance resources, thanks to covid-19

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has revealed that government is readjusting its finance resources due to pressure from covid-19.

In his nation-wide address yesterday Mr Sogavare said government has reprioritised financial resources to ensure the situation is dealt with and that essential services are continuously delivered.

Sogavare said the government through the Ministry of Finance and Treasury is expected to announce a series of expenditure control measures for the remaining months of this year while funding arrangements are being put in place to ensure the national government continues to honour its ongoing financial commitments and obligations.

He said the current covid-19 pandemic continues to put a lot of pressure on government finances and the economy as a whole, and government revenue continues to perform below budget as expected.

He also said government is committed to ensure that the virus is contained to prevent government finance and the economy to further decline.

“I wish to reassure the nation that the management of covid-19 and the measures to contain the virus combined with keeping our domestic economy afloat, remain the key priorities for the Government,” Sogavare added.

First cycle of deployed front liners cleared

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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0

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE first cycle of front liners who were deployed to front line operations have been cleared as low risks, says Prime Minister Manasseh.

Mr Sogavare said the 20 staffs include six health workers and 14 police officers. They have now since been released and are now back with their families.

“My good people, in terms of the staff deployment cycle, it has now entered its second cycle, with new staff deployed to front line operations. As part of the deployment cycle, daily risk assessment has been carried out on staff deployed as frontline workers.

“Moreover, a total of 75 nurses and 55 doctors currently working at the National Referral Hospital are now enlisted into the covid-19 deployment roster where they will be deployed for covid-19 operations for two weeks. After completion of the deployment, they will return back to their normal duties,” he said.

TSL lone import impressed

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Admin
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John Alick

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

TELEKOM Soccer League (TSL) lone import player, Vanuatu’s John Alick has been impressive with the competitiveness of the first Round of the competition this season.

The Solomon Warriors defending midfielder revealed that the 2020/2021 Season has been competitive compared to past seasons. 

“This season is competitive than the last season, because it has eleven teams and everyone did their best to compete,” Alick told SunSPORTS in an interview.

The national Vanuatu player also has been overwhelmed with the impact by former national U17 players during the competition.

“I really appreciate the performances of the U17 players, how they performed showed they want to compete to the standard where we all expected from them, the team managements and supporters.

“They scored good goals and made good results, great impact and a way forward for Solomon Island soccer,” Alick expressed.

The towering midfielder this season will be his third TSL appearance as he aims to lead the defending champions to close the gap on the top spots.

Henderson Eels currently are four points clear on 27 points securing the top seat followed by Laugu FC and Warriors.

“For round two, its good teams maintain the same standard into the final round,” Alick wraps.

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