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Western waits for lockdown approval

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western Provincial capital Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PREMIER of Western Province says his executive has endorsed the proposed lockdown but is yet to receive latest information on the progress of the plan.

Speaking to Island Sun Gizo, Christian Burley Mesepitu said Gizo needs to be locked down as positive cases keep climbing.

He said the process has been slow and that helps the virus to spread.

“I remember my executive have endorsed a lockdown and curfew document last week. I’m still waiting for WPDOC to inform my office of the outcome,” Mesepitu said.

“I don’t where the applications at this stage but I hope submission has been done. I believe WPDOC has submitted the applications to National Disaster Committee and the Oversight Committee,” he added.

He stress that there will be a full lock down when the application for lockdown is approved.

Mesepitu also said that curfew will be enforced following the lock down.

“I want to explain that ‘full lock down’ refer to longer period of lockdown. Lockdown will be enforced for up to five or even days.

“Curfews will also be put in place as follow up measures to minimise the spread of virus,” he said.

Mesepitu said longer lockdown period will enable health officials to carry out contact tracing and swabbing.

He adds that longer lockdown will stop unnecessary movement of people within Gizo as well as from nearby Islands to Gizo.

“We have to do this in order to minimise the spread of this virus. I understand that such long lockdown will have an impact to some people but for the good our people and ourselves, we must sacrifice this measures,” Mesepitu said.

COVID cases rise above 5,000 mark

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A total of 5043 covid cases have been reported as of Wednesday 16 February in the country since community transmission began in January.

But health authorities believe the figure is under reported due to the limited testing capacity of health authorities nation-wide.

Health and Medical Services Minister Dr Culwick Togamana said an additional 131 COVID-19 positive cases were diagnosed as of Wednesday 16 February of which 61 are in Honiara and 72 from the provinces.

From the 5043 total, 3,909 of these cases were diagnosed in Honiara, which accounts for 77.5 percent of total cases followed by Malaita, at 11.4 percent.

In Malaita Province, an additional 52 cases were detected, 26 of these cases were detected at Atoifi hospital from 7 to 15 February period, including earlier cases which have been submitted and now registered.

This brings the total case count for Malaita to 575 with 23 additional recoveries bringing the cumulative total of recoveries to 106.

In Guadalcanal Province, no new cases have been reported as of Wednesday with the total remaining at 145 cases with no reported deaths lately with a 55 cumulative recoveries.

For Western Province, an additional 20 new cases were detected during the same period bringing the total to 191.

Only 1 recovery had been recorded in this period, increasing the total to 36 recoveries. With these recoveries, there are now 155 COVID-19 active cases for the Province.

There were no reports from Isabel and Choiseul provinces on Wednesday as swabbing continues this week and will be updated when data is available.

For Makira Province, no additional cases had been reported with the case count remaining at 2 with both cases having returned to negative status in last week.

Temotu and Rennell Bellona still remain COVID-19 free. The Honiara City Council health department started rapid testing through its health facilities since 1st February with the aim to promote increased availability of testing centers.

—GCU

COVID patients on Ontong Java surviving on their own

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Ontong Java island of Luaniua from above. Photo: Beni Knight.

An Atoll Island, Ontong Java, where the first covid-19 transmission occurred was left abandoned almost a month with its positive cases only to survive using local herbs with holy oil.

A community leader John Mao, in an interview with Island Sun yesterday, says they are still waiting for medical team to be sent from Honiara, essential and non-essential covid-19 medical supplies.

He said they have received assurance from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services but until now they are still uncertain when the medical team and medical supplies will arrive.

He said from rumours they heard that a vessel is on its way and expecting to arrive midnight or today morning.

Island Sun understands the Oversight Committee have engaged Solomon Prestige 2 to deploy the medical team and medical supplies when all requirements are fulfilled.

All vessels must go through an arrangement by Solomon Island Marine Time Authority (SIMA), N-DOC Infrastructure Sector Committee, Health and with coordination to provincial disaster operation committee by National Operation Center.

A check to SIMA office to confirm whether or not the Solomon Prestige 2 has left for Ontong Java could not confirm that.

SIMA says the vessel should go out for anchorage and return for final approval before it can depart for MOI.

At this stage people on Ontong Java are still experiencing flu and rely on local herbs and holy water for recovery.

Chairman of Malaita Outer Islands Covid-19 Taskforce Lawrence Makili said Ontong Java is the first location COVID-19 community transmission has been declared, but the Government has not given any priority to it.

“The Oversight Committee should make immediate response by deploying a medical team but until today there is no medical team being sent,” Makili said.

He said what surprised him is other provinces already received their food relief supplies.

He made reference to Western and Choiseul provinces who already took delivery of the much-needed food supplies to support the operation of their quarantine and isolation stations on 14 February.

Makili questioned why the oversight committee prioritized Western and Choiseul provinces over Malaita Outer Islands.

“Ontong Java was abandoned with its positive cases, there was no observation and data collection on the ground.

“All fundings for covid-19 preparedness were dumped on the two same locations, Western and Choiseul province.

“No funds had been utilised on Ontong Java on Covid-19 facilities.

“It is like the Oversight Committee had neglected the people of Malaita Outer Islands,” he said.

Makili said his committee is well established but the authorities never appreciate community initiatives.

“We have structures in place and communication and prepare to work with the authorities in networking and dissemination of information but all our enquiries have fallen on deaf ears,” he said.

He also questioned the Oversight Committee for engaging a fishing vessel own by JQY to deploy medical team to MOI.

More cargo boats to Malaita

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Unloading of cargoes via MV Ocean Joy at Auki wharf.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

MALAITA Provincial Disaster Operation Committee (PDOC) is liaising with Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) and ship-owners on exemption of cargo boats to the province.

Chairman of PDOC Charles Eddie Koto disclosed this to the Island Sun as more cargo boats are expected in the province in coming weeks.

Koto, who is also the acting provincial police commander for Malaita, said at the moment only four boats were granted approval from SIMA and his committee to transport cargo to the province.

He said the boats are MV Florence and MV Ocean Joy owned by Franja shipping and MV La3na and MV Chrismary owned by Aekema shipping.

The ships had their first cargo trips to Auki last week and they will be moving more cargoes across to Auki in the coming weeks.

Koto explained that in order for ships to provide cargo service to the province, they must apply for exemption from SIMA.

He said after SIMA granted them exemptions, SIMA will liaise with PDCO for endorsement before ships can be allowed to service the province.

Koto said exemptions will only be issued provided shipping companies agreed to abide to required COVID protocols to safeguard the public and stop the spread of the virus.

He said the province has received only four cargo boats in Auki so far and PDOC is aware of intentions by shippers to serve other parts of the province.

Koto said recently, PDOC has also endorsed a cargo boat to serve Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) following approval from SIMA.

Ship may be arranged for Hon-Auki passengers

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

CHAIRMAN of Malaita Provincial Disaster Operation Committee (PDOC) Charles Eddie Koto says they are working on permitting a passenger boat to serve Auki next week.

Koto, who is also the acting provincial police commander for Malaita, said PDOC has discussed the matter in their recent meeting and they will be liaising with responsible authorities in Honiara on it.

He explained that PDOC has come up with the initiative following the need to return a number of provincial frontliners who are in Honiara to join covid-19 operations in the province.

“Most of them were on their annual leave when the COVID outbreak happened, resulting in the ban on shipping to Malaita,” Koto said.

“There are also a number of front liners in the province who need to return to their work places in Honiara and other provinces,” he added.

Koto said PDOC will be liaising with responsible authorities in Honiara on the matter and if approval is granted, they hope to see a passenger boat travelling between Honiara and Auki ext week.

Koto said further updates on the matter will be made known, however if approval is granted only passengers who are recommended will board the boat.

He said although both Honiara and Auki have community transmissions, strict conditions must be put in place like passengers must tested negative before boarding the ship both ways.

Koto said PDOC in Auki continues to receive request for exemptions from individuals both in Auki and Honiara and even dead bodies in Honiara to Malaita.

He explained that only the oversight committee has the final say on that while PDOC will only endorse decisions that are being made.

COVID turns away health focus on babies: minister

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THE substantial focus on covid-19 has created a declining trend for unvaccinated babies against other preventable diseases such as measles, polio and tuberculosis.

As a result, Health and Medical Services Minister Dr Culwick Togamana urged parents of babies due for vaccination against these diseases to visit their nearest clinic for vaccination.

“We have noted a worrying decline in vaccination coverage for these other diseases and should we have an outbreak of for instance measles, while responding to COVID-19, it would be truly more devastating for our country,” Togamana said on Wednesday.

“Therefore, we urgently seek your corporation in this regard,” he added.

On Covid-19, Minister Togamana repeated his earlier calls on people to get their vaccines as vaccination remains the most efficient way to protect people from getting sick and dying from the disease.

The Minister encouraged the unvaccinated eligible population of the country to complete their vaccination requirements including booster doses.

Booster doses are provided for people who have completed their second doses after 5 months.

The vaccination roll-out in Honiara continues with the setting up of two centers at Lawson Tama Stadium and the Solomon Ports car park while community and work place vaccination programmes are ongoing and can be arranged with health authorities.

Friends mourn Robert Chow’s death

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Late Robert Chow passed away early this week

THE Solomon Islands Outrigger and Canoe Federation (SIOCF) has joined others from here and abroad in mourning the passing on of a well-known local businessman the late Robert Chow on Sunday at the National Referral Hospital after a short illness.

The federation in a statement said it is sudden by the news of Robert’s death and offered condolences to his immediate family and relatives.

“Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with Robert’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the federation said.

“Robert has a lot to offer to the sport especially with the country preparing to host the Pacific Games in 2023,” it added.

The late Robert was a visionary entrepreneur who transformed the Honiara seafront business Kokonat Café into a popular spot for those who want to wind down after a tiring day at work.

The business serves kava, a local drink produced from extracts from kava plant.

His vision saw the family business grow tentacles over the years to include other business interests.

As a young man growing up in Honiara, Robert also has passion for sports which included basketball, rugby and soccer.

A fun loving and friendly person, it was no surprise he created many friends over the years through sports and his business.

His departure will certainly leave a void that will be hard to fill.

Robert is survived by wife, children and grandchildren.

Rest in Eternal Peace Robert Chow!

38 quarantined on Nusa-tupe island

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Press Release
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Nusa Tupe Island

At about 6pm on Saturday 12th February, the Provincial Disaster Operation Committee of Western Province  admitted 38 people to Nusatupe Quarantine station for further isolation after negotiations with the owner of Lopia Resort at Nusatupe.

A statement from the Western Provincial Emergency Operation Center (WPEOC) said of the 38 people in the quarantine station, 35 are passengers and crew of LC Pacific Grace who have been isolated on board the vessel since six of its crews have been tested positive on February 6th.

Three people who also tested positive in Gizo have also been admitted to the quarantine station.

The Lopia Resort at Nusatupe meets all conditions to be used as a quarantine station and it has been gazetted as well.

The facility has been successfully decontaminated by the health trained team before the admission of the 38 people.

The PEOC acknowledges the Solomon Islands Prison services officers for providing professional security services at the facility.

The NEOC appreciates the leadership and support of the Western Provincial Government to the ongoing COVID-19 operation and coordination in the Western Province.

Wide spread of covid-19 irks Premier Mesepitu

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western Premier Christian Mesepitu

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Premier of Western province has voiced his concern over reports of covid-19 community transmission extending to the villages around Gizo.

Premier Christian Burley Mesepitu says he is concerned covid-19 cases have been found in these communities.

He says this shows that covid-19 has spread more than authorities know of.

Therefore, he calls for mass swabbing in Gizo and the surrounding communities.

“I was informed that some COVID-19 patients are from our nearby communities in outskirt of Gizo. This is a huge concern that need our cooperation,” he said.

Mesepitu believes that the virus has invaded some communities without health officials’ knowledge.

He said mass swabbing in communities is a huge need to determine the presence of the virus.

Mesepitu said the situation in Gizo not only put Gizo residence at risk but also people who travelled to Gizo.

He said people must take extra precaution when travelling to Gizo as well as Noro and Munda.

“I want reiterate my previous call to the general public that inter-island travelling is prohibited unless you have very good reasons.

“I’m deeply disappointed to hear few people have been breaching this regulation. If you are living in Noro, Munda or Gizo, please don’t travel to other islands. Be responsible and respect others,” Mesepitu said.

He calls on Western Populace to continue to adhere to COVID-19 public and health measures.

Oxfam launches short film

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Oibola community have built their own preparedness and response systems aligned to the NDMO and SI Met Service response and reporting mechanisms.

OXFAM in the Pacific (OiP) this week launched its short film ‘Cyclone Season’, capturing the incredible disaster preparedness efforts of a rural community in Malaita Province.

The 12-minute film features a theatrical demonstration of the learnings of Oibola Community in the Langa Langa district, who have been part of Oxfam’s Disaster READY Program since 2018.

The community over this period successfully set up a village committee to lead their disaster preparedness and response plans; and equipped with basic trainings on emergency response, compiling initial assessments and situational reports, first aid trainings and gender-based and inclusive trainings.

The film captures Oibola’s colour-coded disaster response plan that the community developed aligned to the Solomon Islands National Management Disaster Office (NDMO) and the Solomon Islands Metrological Services (SIMS) response and reporting systems.

Filming took two days at Oibola starring Oibola residents as actors and portrayals of themselves while additional scenes were taken at the Meteorological Services office in Honiara and a studio session with the national broadcaster SIBC (Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation).

The film also contains live footage of a simulation exercise carried out by Oibola in September 2021. 

“This film is a unique video coverage of our work on the Disaster READY Program in partnership with the NDMO, and it captures the great work Oibola have invested in to protect and prepare themselves in times of disaster,” says Oxfam’s Humanitarian Coordinator in the Solomon Islands Nicholas Suava.

The film will also serve as an awareness and education material to support the work of NDMO and SIMS.

Oxfam’s Disaster READY program in the Solomon Islands works closely with the provincial disaster offices of Malaita, Temotu and Guadalcanal and works with 15 communities across these provinces.

The Disaster READY Program is an AHP (Australian Humanitarian Partnership) initiative funded by the Australian Government and delivered by development partners across the Pacific.

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