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Third COVID – 19 Suspected Case Tests Negative

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Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Pauline McNeil.

RESULTS of the third suspected Coronavirus case of Solomon Islands that was sent to Australia over the weekend has tested Negative.

This is the last of the three sample tests received to date, all of which have tested Negative.

The Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil says the public can again be rest assured and comforted by this result, and acknowledges the hard tireless work of the members of the NDOC-Health Committee and particularly the front liners who since day one have sacrificed themselves selflessly to the call of duty.

With the pleasing results of all three samples the fight against this deadly virus is not over until it is over says the Permanent Secretary, adding that there is no time to relax and the public must remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, continue to maintain social distance at least one (1) Metre apart and avoid non-essential travelling to coronavirus affected countries.

MHMS is thankful to all the recent incoming passengers and crews to Solomon Islands who are following the advice given by the health teams upon entry and who are reporting any slight changes in their health. MHMS advices all incoming passengers and crews to continue to comply with measures that are provided.

The MHMS continues to appeal to the general public to avoid rumors, misleading information and speculation, but instead to ensure to obtain accurate, correct information. You can access updated information online at www.solomons.gov.sb, or follow our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/officialmhmssi/

The MHMS will continue to work together with other Government Ministries, Partners, NGOs and Stakeholders to ensure our country is protected from Coronavirus.

–MHMS

Second COVID-19 suspected case test Negative

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PS Pauline McNeil

No confirm COVID -19 case in Solomon Islands

RESULTS of the second suspected Coronavirus case of Solomon Islands that was sent to Australia has tested Negative.

There were three (3) COVID 19 samples sent to Australia, and so far two out of three samples test received to date are negative.

Mrs. McNeil Permanent Secretary of Health says, the general public will be informed when the result of the last samples is available.

Mrs. McNeil says, the public can again be rest assured that the results of the second suspected case is negative with no detection of coronavirus.

Mrs. McNeil, acknowledges the hard tireless work of the members of the NDOC-Health Committee, our development partners, our stakeholders and particularly the front liners who have been on day one sacrificed themselves selflessly to the call of duty.

With the pleasing results received so far, this does not mean that we have to lay back but continue work hard together and therefore calls on the public to remain vigilant and practice good hygiene and continue to maintain social distance at least one (1) metre apart and avoid non-essential travelling to coronavirus affected countries.

MHMS is thankful to all the recent travellers into Solomon Islands who are following the advice given by our teams upon entry and reporting any slight changes in their health. MHMS advices our travellers to continue to comply with measures that provided.

The MHMS continues to appeal to general public to avoid rumors, misleading information and speculation, but ensure to obtain the accurate and facts information. You can access updated information on online www.solomons.gov.sb, or follow our face book page https://www.facebook.com/officialmhmssi/.

The MHMS will continue to work together with other Government Ministries, Partners and Stakeholders to ensure our country is protected from Coronavirus.

–MHMS

DCGA committed in delivering policy priorities: PM

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PM Manasseh Sogavare

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the National Government is fully committed in delivering its policy priorities in the interests of peace, unity, national stability and economic advancement.

Speaking in Parliament this week, the Prime Minister said it is upon the foundation of peace, unity, national stability and economic advancement that sets the course of his government.

“It is upon this foundation, that, we will move this beloved country forward for the betterment of our children and our children’s children,” he said.

On that note, Prime Minister Sogavare urged all citizens to unite, join hands and work together for the common good of this nation and its people.

“One may have noticed that along with the strong commitment by the majority in aiming for the common good, there are a few individuals that have an agenda to drive the government from achieving the common good,” he said.

The Prime Minister said it is in the best interest of all Solomon Islanders for our children to grow up in a society free from wrong decisions made by their fore fathers.

“We want our children to grow into a society where they enjoy lasting peace and unity in a stable nation that fully enjoys economic prosperity,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has encouraged the Office of the Official Opposition to work together with the Government in the country’s development aspirations. “We must work together for the good of this nation and its people and to refrain from resorting to petty issues by arrogantly driving a self-serving agenda that will not benefit the interest of the people,” he said.

PM provides update on 20203 Pacific Games

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Pacific Games 2023 Solomon Islands.

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has informed Parliament on the update progress on the 2023 Pacific Games preparations.

Speaking in Parliament this week, the Prime Minister said the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand have committed to supporting various aspects of the 2023 Games.

He said the work on the indoor courts at the Old Community centre is also progressing well as we speak.

Prime Minister Sogavare said PRC is supporting the design and to build the national stadium complex, the swimming pool complex, the tennis complex, a new track and field at the KGVI grounds including a multi-purpose hall and a hockey field.

“The support by PRC is by way of grant and not loans, this must be made clear to avoid any doubt,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare said Indonesia is financing a futsal multipurpose indoor hall.

He said Indonesia has already deposited $7.2 m into our escrow account to support finance this, with the rest of the financing assistance coming in the new fiscal year.

The Prime Minister adds Papua New Guinea would be supporting the building of the new Soccer Academy.

In addition, he said Australia has also committed to support the refurbishment of dormitories and classrooms plus support facilities of schools selected to accommodate athletes and staff during the Pacific Games.

“Australia is committed to support the training of elite athletes in Australia and support for the high performance centre at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports. This will be based at the former Telekom recreation field in Ranadi,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sogavare said the National Hosting Authority (NHA) is seeking additional development partner support for currently unfunded facilities.

“Land for the Games venues and facilities have mostly been settled. Construction of some of the major facilities for the Games will commence later this year,” he said.

He said it is anticipated that most of facilities will be completed by December 2022 with the national stadium expected to be completed by March 2023, 3 months before the games. Prime Minister Sogavare said the NHA, is the body established under the 2023 Pacific Games Act to plan, manage and deliver the games, and it is in full operation.

Impact of Corona virus on Solomon Islands Economy

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Central Bank of Solomon Islands. Photo by CBSI

THE Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) wish to provide the following updates regarding the Corona Virus/COVID 19 impact on the national economy:

  • The Coronavirus will likely have a considerable negative impact on the Solomon Islands economy. The spread and considerable disruption of this epidemic will be exacerbated by the increasingly intertwined trade and investment relationships between China and its neighbours in the Asia Pacific region. Being a small open economy, the Solomon Islands will likely be adversely affected through the trade channel and thereafter the economy, and even fiscal operations.
  • With respect to the country’s exports; Logs, one of the country’s key exports commodities would be affected. As China is the key destination for our log exports, the epidemic might see a 11% fall in log output to 2.2 million cubic metres. Foreign exchange from logs might decline by 9% to $2.3 billion. There will also be delays in log shipments to China as well as the remittance of the proceeds.
  • The negative impact on logs could thereafter affect fiscal operations.  Log duties could fall by 6% to $467 million, leading to a further 1% fall in total domestic revenue to $3.5 billion. On the expenditure side, health spending might soar if the virus spreads in the country. The fiscal balance might deteriorate to negative 1% of GDP or a reallocation and rationing of funds might be required.
  • Imports of vital goods could also be affected. This is due to the fact that the country’s key trading partners that account for 40% of total imports are at the centre of the outbreak; China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and Japan. This would disrupt the supply chain of materials for consumption, manufacturing and investment in the country.
  • Due to the impact of the virus on the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors, the real GDP outlook for 2020 has been projected to decline by 60 basis points to 2.0%. This decline is likely to emanate from a slowdown in activities associated with forestry, tourism, and transport-related sectors.  
  • Depending on the severity and duration of this pandemic, the Solomon Islands economy might contract further to around 1% or even fall into a recession. When this happens, there could be large-scale closure of schools and businesses. The ability of the Government to provide public goods and services could also be affected. More specifically, the health system would be stretched to its limits and government finances to support the containment measures would be under a lot of strain.
  • Support from development partners would be crucial to assist the Solomon Islands respond to the pandemic. This would be for both the emergency health response and also grant and short-term concessional debt financing to support the government and the economy.  
  • Domestically, the government, statutory agencies and private businesses must be prepared to mitigate the risk and the magnitude of these impacts. Nonetheless, post-Coronavirus containment, economic activity should pick up as in previous pandemics, as the global, Chinese and Solomon Islands economies recover.

–Central Bank of Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands faces $259m shortfall due to COVID-19

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Alfred Pagepitu
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Minister Hurry Kuma

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU


SOLOMON ISLANDS is facing a revenue shortfall of $259 million as the fallout from the coronavirus leads to a dramatic deterioration in the state’s economic outlook.
This was revealed by the Minister of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) Harry Kuma on Monday in his parliament address to answer questions by the Opposition Leader Matthew Wale on how the economy is being affected by the coronavirus threat.
Mr Kuma said this revenue shortfall means expenditure will need to be rationed or reprioritised.
Kuma said Health related expenditure was expected to increase by five percent from $2467.7 million to $259.05 million and push total government expenditure by two percent against the baseline of $3.9 billion.
“Overall, the likely impact of this global pandemic will put pressure on government finances and government’s fiscal and might deteriorate.
“Our first priority is to keep up with the difficult task of keeping our people’s health as safe as we possibly can.
“This challenge, the Government is also determined and prepared to lessen the financial and economic fallout of COVID-19 on our domestic economy,” said Kuma.
Kuma said that in this connection, the government has considered a balanced fiscal and economic policy to ensure adequate resources are available to keep our people safe, and to provide fiscal stimuli to our domestic economy in this difficult time.

20 people arrive from Philipines without being quarantined

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Mavis Podokolo
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Minister for Forestry and Research Dickson Panakitasi Mua.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO


TWENTY people believed to be local students studying in the Philippines arrived on Tuesday and were allowed through without being quarantined, it is reported.
This was confirmed by the Minister of Health and Medical Services, Mr Dickson Mua, when queried on Wednesday 18th March.
He could not comment on why the students were not quarantined despite having come from one of the coronavirus hotspots in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mua however says that he has issued strong instructions to officers of his ministry to track down these individuals and have them undergo home-quarantine under monitor.
Mua adds that this incident indicates flights should be reduced and gradually banned.
Meanwhile, the Immigration Office confirmed to Island Sun that a group has travelled in from the Philippines who had transited through Papua New Guinea.
Immigration could not corroborate Mua’s statement that the group are local students studying in the Philippines.

Result negative

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PS Pauline McNeil

Relief as first of three samples dismisses COVID-19 fears, country awaits two more

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO


SOLOMON Islands is breathing easier as the first result returns negative, but we’re not out of the woods yet as results to two later samples are still yet to be heard of.
The result was received from the ministry of health’s partner, the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL) based in Melbourne, Australia.
Permanent Secretary for Health Pauline McNeil says, “The public can now be rest assured that the result of the first suspected case is negative with no detection of coronavirus.
“The MHMS is awaiting result of other two (2) samples sent to Australia last week.
“General public will be informed when the result of these two (2) samples when available.”
Mrs McNeil said while the result is pleasing, the ministry of health is calling on public to remain vigilant and continue to practise good hygiene.
“Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with clean water and soap at all times or use hand sanitizer, eat more fruits and vegetables, avoid crowded gatherings, maintain social distance at least one (1) metre apart and avoid non-essential travelling to coronavirus affected countries,” she said.

PM Sogavare warns people spreading fears of covid-19

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Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare is urging public not to worry or be afraid of the pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19) that is still to record a case in Solomon Islands.

This came after some people have posted untrue stories of the coronavirus on social media which is causing unnecessary fear on people.

When moving the motion to thank the Governor General Sir David Vunagi on his speech from the throne on Tuesday 17th March, PM Sogavare said he has instructed the Attorney General to liaise with Police Commissioner and Director of Public Prosecution to take actions against people posting untrue statements in media.

Sogavare said this people who crossed the line have to be held accountable for causing unnecessary fear.

He said even some people questioned him why not coming out in public to lead the awareness on the COVID-19.

“Iam not a media buddy to jump to anything that come across my path without thinking and make a statement just to be hear and to be running the risks to make mistakes.

“I don’t know anything about it,” he said.

Sogavare said the last thing they want to entertain in this country is mis-information and politically motivated statement that is sensitive.

He said “our people want comfort and not fear.”

Further to that, Sogavare said he is confident to run a consistent cabinet government that functions and collective decision making processes.

As such, he want to thanked the depth of wisdom which cabinet handled this matter through the guidance of Minister of Health and Medical Services and his permanent secretary and the special oversight committee that continue to provide the advice to government.

Contrary to what people said, Sogavare said the government has been working tirelessly to COVID-19 by taking a systematic whole of government approach to issue that also involved activation of internal mechanisms and safeguards combined with the assistances of donors and bilateral partners.

Despite lack of capacity to date to address a potential nationwide outbreak with decent mind, Sogavare said the government has taken precautionary measures to prevent the virus from arriving on our shores and remain one step ahead with cabinet imposed restrictions to tune up with initial outbreak in China a month ago.

Sogavare said Solomon Islands is the first to take the action to prevent people arriving on land and seas after Cabinet made the decision.

He said government is collaborating with China to counter this virus.

The debate continues on Wednesday 18th March at 9.30am.

Coronavirus could cripple Solomon airlines’ only viable overseas route

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Alfred Sasako
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By Alfred Sasako

MEASURES being taken by the Australian Government to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus could potentially cripple Solomon Airlines, officials warned on Tuesday 17th March.

The warning comes as airlines across the region take steps to respond to new government restrictions in their countries. Fiji, New Zealand and Samoa have all announced scaling back their international flights.

In Australia, the nation’s national carrier, Qantas has announced a 90 per cent cutback on its international flights, resulting in the grounding of 150 aircraft including most of its wide-body fleet.

The announcement which was made to the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) has potentially put thousands of the airline’s jobs on the line. Qantas employs some 30, 000 workers.

Another carrier, Virgin Atlantic has reportedly asked its workers to take six weeks leave.

These measures were taken in response to new measures announced by Canberra on Monday in an effort to curtail the spread of the coronavirus. In travel advisory issued on Monday all Australians returning to Australia face a 14-day self-imposed isolation.

Failure to do so attracts an AUD11, 000 fine, six months in prison or both.

Government officials told a news conference in Honiara on Tuesday 17th March they would be seeking advice from Canberra on the new measures, which they described as “steep.”

Asked what impact if any this would have on the tourism sector, given that Australian tourists made up the largest number of visitors to Solomon Islands, they said this would severely affect the national carrier.

“Every other airline in the region are reviewing their flights in the light of the coronavirus, particularly in response to new measures announced by their governments. I guess Solomon Airlines might have to do the same,” Secretary to the Prime Minister (SPM), Jimmy Rodgers said yesterday.

Solomon Airlines has already closed down its weekly Brisbane-Munda service because of law passenger numbers.

Secretary of the Solomon Airlines Board, Bill Tyson, told Island Sun earlier this week the airline would be flying its normal Honiara-Brisbane-Honiara service, adding the Airline Management would be closely watching the threat and impact of the coronavirus.

A seasoned traveler told Island Sun on Tuesday 17th March he does not believe that with the depleting passenger number from Australia, Solomon Airlines would be staying in the air for much longer.

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