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Post lockdown safe practices.

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Members of the public must continue to observe COVID-19 safe practices post lockdown.

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare emphasized the safe post lockdown practices as the current lockdown ends tomorrow, Saturday 22nd January.

  1. Limit movements into town.
    1. Wear face masks when leaving your homes. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HOME IF YOU ARE NOT WEARING A FACE MASK.
    1. Practice social distancing of at least 2 meters distance from the next person.
    1. Use hand sanitizers or wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
    1. Do not congregate.
    1. Practice social distancing and use face masks when travelling in public transports – maximum of 3 people per taxi and only 2 people per row in public buses.
    1. Use masks when you go into shops and the market.

The 60 hours lockdown which was effective from 6 pm Wednesday 19th January ends tomorrow, Saturday 22nd January.

Solomon Airlines closes office, suspend flights

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Solomon Airlines airbus

SOLOMON Airlines has aligned with the lockdown in Honiara and public health measures announced by the Solomon Islands Government on 19 January 2022, closing the national carrier’s Point Cruz Sales Office and Head Office in Honiara, and undertaking only essential aircraft and system maintenance.

The airline has also canceled all domestic flights until Sunday 23 January 2022.

Solomon Airlines international flights are now also suspended for passenger arrivals and departures to and from Honiara, including the Honiara to Brisbane service on Friday 21 January following direction from the COVID-19 Oversight Committee.  

The airline’s Friday service between Brisbane and Honiara will operate as a cargo-only flight, pending further advice from the Solomon Islands Government and approval to again accept passengers.

Solomon Airlines said the national carrier will consider further suspensions in accordance with any lockdown extension as directed by the Solomon Islands Government.

The airline is attempting to contact all affected passengers. 

Solomon Airline’s Australia Sales Office is remaining open and available for contact during office hours on (+61) 07 38605883 or email [email protected].

“As this change is effective immediately, we are doing our best to contact affected passengers and will provide further updates as soon as possible,” said Brett Gebers Chief Executive Officer of Solomon Airlines.

“Protecting the health and wellbeing of Solomon Islands people, our passengers, crew and staff is our highest priority and we will do our utmost to play our part,” he said.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will ensure the readiness of our aircraft to support any essential movement of cargo and medical resources during this time.

—SOLOMON AIRLINES

Malaita health awaits result of Awka crew tests

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The Mv Awka

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

CHAIRMAN of the Malaita Provincial Emergency Operation Centre for COVID-19, Dr Rex Maukera has clarified that his office will only deploy to conduct contact tracing in the Southern region when tests results on the crew of the MV Awka is known.

Dr Maukera made the statement when correcting an article published by this paper via its face book page on Thursday night about a plan to send a team to Small Malaita and East Are Are.

According to the article, the Malaita provincial health team is planning to send a surveillance team to carryout contact tracing on passengers and those who had made contact with crews of MV Akwa during her recent trip to the region.

In the article, the team was said to be leaving for South-East Are Are this weekend to carry out their investigation.

In response to the article, Maukera said there is no plan yet as they are waiting for the result from the crew of the Akwa before making any plan.

He said the crew are the people of interest and whatever the outcome of their test will determine whether to deploy the team or not.

Maukera said this is their position on the matter as they continue to monitor it.

Government warns against obstruction of front-liners.

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Honiara is the beating heart of the country's economy.

THE government has reported that some people are obstructing front-line workers from carrying out swabbing when conducting COVID-19 tests.

Resisting and obstructing authorized officers carrying out their mandated duties in this time of COVID 19 community transmission is an offense under Regulation 47 of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (No. 3) Regulations 2021 (“the Regulations”).

The offense carries with it a maximum penalty of $15,000.00 fine or, 5-year imprisonment or both.

 The Attorney-General John Muria (Jnr) issued this warning after receiving reports that a number of identified Honiara residents are obstructing and resisting COVID 19 swabs when approached by front liners.

“The government is aware, some people wanted for COVID 19 test are resisting being swabbed. These people must be warned, the penalty for resisting or obstructing the front-liners carrying out their duties is $15,000.00 fine or, 5-year imprisonment or both,” the Attorney General stated.

The Attorney General stressed, that the duties of the front-liners who are Authorised Officers under the Regulations are necessary to preserve public health, safety, order, and security during this time of COVID 19 community outbreak. Adhering to their directions, requests, or orders are to enable the protection of the people.

The Attorney-General said anyone who resists being swabbed by the health team without any lawful reason will be prosecuted. The front liners are carrying duties in the national interest and any person found resisting and obstructing authorized officers will be dealt with once the community transmission is controlled 

He reminds all that the government will no longer tolerate any more breaches. Such individuals will be charged and prosecuted under the Regulations after the current community transmission is successfully dealt with.    

The Government continues to applaud the outstanding work of our dedicated and committed frontline workers who give their all for their country in ensuring current community transmission is traced, contained and effects are kept at bay, he said.

Try to stress here that they will not be charged now but once everything settles, the relevant authorities will be taking the necessary steps to ensure that those in breach will be prosecuted.

88 new cases, Lock-down ends tomorrow with stiff measures

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Point-Cruz-road-during-the-lockdown-on-30-August-2021-1

THE Country has recorded 88 new cases of COVID-19 after tests were done on 343 samples in the past 24 hours ending 8 am this morning.

And Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare has announced that strict COVID-19 measures will be enforced when the lock-down is lifted in Honiara tomorrow morning.

The Prime Minister said the further rise has seen the country recording 169 total cases, with recent increases meaning the virus has already reached pockets of our communities.

He also pointed out that all of the new cases are linked to the 44 passengers who came on the MV Awka from Ontong Java on January 10th.

“After embarking in Honiara, most of the passengers remained here, but some had traveled to GPPOL, Foxwood, and Aruligo on Guadalcanal, as well as the Western and Makira provinces.

Out of the total positive tests yesterday, some were from the Good Samaritan Hospital at Tetere, Guadalcanal plains.

The Prime Minister, therefore, appealed to the 44 passengers on the Awka to remain at home and contact the Ministry of Health through 155 or 25256 to get to them.

Or people who might come into contact with any of the passengers, to remain at home, self-isolate, and call health authorities for assistance.

Mr Sogavare also appealed to homeowners, who might be sheltering these people to inform the health department if authorities have not paid them a visit.

“The latest figures show the virus is widespread and we are expecting pockets of infection from GPPOL and Fox-wood as well as in some provinces.

“We are stepping up operations in anticipation of this,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said the oversight committee has recommended the following actions to be observed following the lifting of lockdown tomorrow morning.

  1. Limiting people movement, it is important that everyone limits their movement into the city or to crowded areas, remember when you move the virus moves.
  2. The business houses will be consulted to adopt a covid-19 safety approach.
  3. Mode of work is being reviewed, to ensure productivity is retained while safety is enhanced.
  4. School opening will be delayed for a week for further assessment on the situation with further decisions to be done in the next week.
  5. Implementation of the Ontong java engagement plan to contain and control COVID19 in the area.
  6. Implementation of provincial emergency plans to put on place mechanisms to contain and control any spread of the virus to provinces.
  7. Continue to observe COVID-19 safe practices as follows:
  8. Limit movement to town.
  9. Wear face masks when leaving homes.
  10. Do not leave your home if you are not wearing a face mask.
  11.  Practice social distancing of at least 2 meters distance from the next person.
  12. Use hand sanitizers or wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
  13. Do not congregate.
  14.  Practice social distancing and use face mask when travelling in public transports, maximum of three people per taxi and only two people per row in a public bus.
  15.  Use masks when go into shops and the market.

Safety of patients at NRH compromised

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Mavis Podokolo
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The National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

SAFETY of patients at the National Referral Hospital was severely compromised when six positive cases were recorded at the Emergency Department.

This was stated by the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his special national address yesterday.

“The safety of patients at the National Referral hospital is already severely compromised with 6 positive cases in the Emergency department. We cannot use the NRH for any COVID-19 cases,” Sogavare said.

He adds that of the 48 cases of COVID-19 recorded yesterday, 9 cases are from the Emergency Department of the National Referral hospital, 3 staff and 6 patients.

“The Emergency Department of the NRH is closed as of Wednesday night following the diagnosis of the 9 positive cases,” Sogavare said.

Police detain ships at Taro

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Ben Bilua
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Taro Island

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THREE passenger ships have been detained at Taro in response to the current community transmission of COVID-19 in the country.

Speaking to Island Sun Gizo last night, a passenger in one of the ships said passengers were confined on the boats awaiting health and medical officials to give decisions and directives.

The passenger said one of the ship travelled from Honiara to Wagina before police intercepted, redirecting it provincial capital Taro.

“From information I gathered, one of the ships came close to MV Awka after it (Awka) returned from the Malaita outer islands.

“I heard that MV Awka was berthing beside one of the ship and passengers from Awka walked across the ship to a Wharf at Point Cruz.

“I think this is one of the reason why the ship was stopped by police,” the passenger said.

The passenger explained that crews of one of the ship were exposed during the time when MV Awka was berthing besides the ship in question.

In an interview with Island Sun Gizo, Speaker of Choiseul Province, Greg Sokeni said the Choiseul Provincial Disaster Operation Committee (PDOC) is still waiting for advice from Honiara before making the decision.

“There is two possible actions, one is to send the ship back to Honiara with the passengers or allow passengers to leave the ships and go home prior to fulfilling COVID-19 standard procedures.

“At the moment, the ships and passengers are berthing outside Taro,” he said.

Sokeni said Choiseul PDOC has activated its COVID-19 standard procedures with more focus to public and health protocols as well as procedures.

He said awareness programs have kicked off yesterday.

Sokeni said Choiseul Provincial executive will meet today to discussion further actions in response to the current situation.

Central province activates disaster operation committee.

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Mavis Podokolo
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Premier of Central Islands Province, Stanley Manetiva

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Provincial Disaster Operation Committee in Tulagi was activated following the country’s COVID-19 situation.

Premier of Central Islands Province, Stanley Manetiva said the PDOC was activated as of yesterday to help prevent further COVID-19 transmission on Tulagi.

Manetiva said they identified that the risk of COVID-19 entering CIP is very high and so containment is needed in the villages and Tulagi.

“We have agreed to activate CPCs and COVID-19 guidelines and measures on Tulagi, these are:

1.     Silent World- Ships movement to be closely monitored and controlled.

2. PPC to arrange a meeting with Silent World and Avi Avi at the Police Station

3. Shops- distancing, a certain time to access shops by persons from each zone. Shops close at 10 pm

4. OBMs identify only certain spots for berthing are Taporo and market areas only.

5. Betel markets to be closed. Markets close at 6 pm. No more sleeping at the market. 

6. Mock lockdown date to be agreed upon and aware of our residents.

7. No late night movement, house to house or village to village. Curfew, police to monitor by 10 pm. Public notice to our people. Meet the CPCs and the Chairman of each 5 zones.

8. Wash facilities. Wharf, market- Solomon Water, Environmental Health.

9. Office Precaution measures- Notice for practice. Crowding in offices, movement of boats,” he said.

Manetiva said his meeting with the Tulagi PDOC team took place yesterday.

48 new cases sad & unfortunate: Opposition Leader.

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Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale

LEADER of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has described the recent announcement of 48 new COVID-19 cases by the Prime Minister yesterday as ‘sad and unfortunate’.

Mr Wale said this is the highest number of cases recorded in the last 24hrs and it is a serious concern for the country.

“I am equally saddened by the news and I pray and hope our good Lord will help us overcome this,” he said.

The Opposition Leader also urged citizens in the country to remain calm and listen to sound advice from authorities.

Mr Wale said now that the country is faced with the challenge of community transmission in Honiara; it is everyone’s responsibility to look after themselves and their families.

He said the increased number of cases in the last 24hrs will also come with many challenges and one imminent one is the lack of beds at the isolation centre at the Central Field Hospital.

“I understand there are only 56 beds at the central field hospital. An increased number of cases in the coming days will be a major setback and I urge the Government to swiftly address immediately,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said the Government should by now inform the public of their response plans within the next few days so that people are well informed and are prepared.

Mr Wale also supported calls for people to get vaccinated.

“It’s never too late to get vaccinated to help protect yourself, your families and loved ones,” he said.

The Leader of Opposition also acknowledged the hardworking frontliners for their continuous commitment and hard work.

“This will be the real challenge for out frontliners. But we must continue to pray and support them and their families as they continue to serve our people and our country during this time,” he said.

Mr Wale said the government also need to be mindful of the mental and physical health of frontliners.

“Increase in cases means there will be increased workload and fatigue among other challenges must be addressed as well,” he said.

COVID-19 variant yet to be identified

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Mavis Podokolo
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The roundabout at the Honiara City Council

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services is yet to determine the COVID-19 variant currently in local transmission.

Senior Technical Advisor to Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr. Yogesh Choudhri confirmed this to Island Sun last night.

“Regarding the COVID-19 variant, we do not know yet as we have not been able to send specimens to Australia,” Choudhri said.

He said they are planning to send the specimens today.

Meanwhile, between 8am Thursday 20 January 2022 to 8am Yesterday, a total of 48 new cases have been recorded in Honiara.

This has increased the total number of cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in the country to 81- which represents an increase of 61 cases in the past month.

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