By EDDIE OSIFELO
NO constructors will be allowed to enter the Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s premises in Honiara unless they receive their first vaccination.
Permanent Secretary, Stephen Maesiola put this on notice after many constructors are seen roaming in the ministry’s premise every day.
Maesiola said he has given the constructors until Wednesday next week to get vaccinated before they can enter the Ministry’s premise.
He said the ministry also fears any community transmission of the coronavirus even though it is still to be seen.
In the meantime, the Government has approved a mandatory vaccination to all public servants, state-owned enterprises, and the private employees undertaking frontline work.
The cabinet approved the mandatory vaccination on Friday, July 30, 2021.
Minister of Health and Medical Service Dr. Culwick Togamana said any employee under these three categories who refuses to take the first Covid-19 jab by Aug. 31 will not be allowed to access their place of employment.
“The cabinet has approved the mandatory administration of Covid-19 vaccines for all public servants, state-owned enterprises, and the private employees undertaking frontline works like shipping agents and airlines,” he said.
“All employees under the above three categories will have 60 days to get their first dose of vaccine. If they chose not to take their vaccine by this period, they will not be allowed to access their place of employment; and if they still chose not to take the vaccine by the closing date of the period, Nov. 30, they have chosen to self-terminate their employment,” he added.
He said this also goes out to all employees under these three categories in the provinces.
The Solomon Islands cabinet set a national vaccination target coverage of 80% by November 2021.
