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TSL assault case pending

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Solomon Warriors FC Tigi Molea slides in for the challenge on FC Isabel United's Nathaniel Mosese during their friendly match on Thursday 30th January 2020.

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE JNR

THE Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Disciplinary Committee is yet to deliver a decision regarding the Solomon Warriors FC and Henderson Eels FC after match brawl incident.

The incident occurred after Warriors title deciding match 2-2 draw with Eels in round two of the TSL season on December 14th.

The case involved Warrior’s attacking mid-fielder, Molea Tigi assault on Eels defender, Derrick Taebo after the match.

Tigi played all the remaining of the league matches without any actions taken which has prompt Eels management to put forward their complaints to SIFF late last year.

SIFF confirmed in a statement on Monday 3rd February that the S-League board are still waiting for a decision from the DC regarding the matter.

 “So far there has been no outcome regarding the case yet, but the case is with the disciplinary committee to deal with,” the statement said.

Meanwhile both players are both named in both teams respective squads for the 2020 OFC Champions League.

Taebo joined Eels after an outstanding performance for the country at the 2017 OFC U-16 qualifiers, has become a mainstay in the Eddie Marahare Eels coached team and has already worn the captaincy arm band for eels.

For Tigi was one of the most important players of Solomon Warriors in the 2019-20 seasons. He scored 11 goals in 13 matches to help his team successfully defend their TSL title.

Taebo and Eels will travel to Lunganville, Vanuatu for their Group D Oceania Champions League matches while Tigi Molea and Warriors will travel to new Caledonia for their Group C matches.

Health ministry advises caution amid report of quarantined coronavirus suspects in Rennell

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Renbel Premier and mining employees witness the arrival of the medical personnel at Tigoa on Monday 3rd February.

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has advised public especially in Rennell island, Renbel province, to practice caution and respect quarantine boundaries amid report that four crewmen of a Bintan Mining company ship are being isolated suspected of having the China coronavirus.

In a media statement on Monday 3rd February, MHMS said it has been alerted to a report of suspected 2019 novel coronavirus persons who displayed flu-like symptoms on a shipping vessel and is responding to the situation by sending a medical team to the shipping vessel that is currently quarantined outside Rennell Island. This team will provide the clinical assessment and also to take samples for laboratory confirmation.

The MHMS is working in collaboration with other government ministries such as Immigration, Customs, and Police and with the support of the Office of Prime Minister to respond to this situation, and measures to prevent the infection from spreading on ship have been implemented on the ship.

The MHMS wishes to advise that the sick people on board are, at the moment, only being treated as suspected cases of 2019 novel Coronavirus. The remaining people on the board are only being treated as contacts and will be monitored for development of symptoms and provided immediate clinical care should they develop the symptoms. The ship and people on board will be released from quarantine once it is assessed that they do not pose any risk to general public in Rennell and Solomon Islands.

For people on Rennell, we would like to request you to ensure that the quarantine boundaries are maintained and advise and directions from health authorities are adhered to. They are strictly prohibited from going to ship. The incident does not pose any risk to the residents of Rennell Island and there is no confirmed case of novel coronavirus in Rennell as of now.

The current public health emergency is a major concern and while Solomon Islands has not had a confirmed case of the virus so far, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is not taking any chances. The health and safety of Solomon Islanders is the Ministry of Health’s main priority.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services would like to request that members of the public remain calm and exercise vigilance by ensuring they follow proper hygiene practices are followed.

1. Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze.

2. Always wash your hands with water and soap.

3. Avoid crowded places and unnecessary public outings.

4. Seek medical advice if you have any flu-like symptoms. Call the public health emergency surveillance unit on 23650 or 7522202 and explain your recent travel history.

–MHMS PRESS

Coronavirus suspects tested

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Mike Puia
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Tigoa police and Dr. Pedical Togamae during the meeting on the 3rd February.

By Mike Puia

In Tigoa

THE four coronavirus suspects onboard a ship that arrived in Rennell, Renbel Province, on Saturday night were tested onboard the ship at Lavagu Bay on Monday 3rd February.

Over the last couple of days, reports of coronavirus suspects arriving in Rennell sparked widespread fear and uncertainty in the island.

In Lavagu Village, which hosted Rennell’s main sea port where the ship arrived, fear and uncertainty was rife.

The ship reportedly came from China. It arrived in Rennell to ship out raw bauxite ore extracted by Bintan Mining Company (BMC) in West Rennell.

According to a press statement by Bintan mining company, the ship was cleared at Noro Port in the Western Province before she arrived at Lavagu Bay.

According to information obtained by Tigoa police, the ship carried about 23 crews. Four of them reported high fever when the ship departed Noro Port on her way to Rennell.

Tigoa police rushed to Lavagu Bay on Saturday night after they received information that the potential coronavirus suspects have arrived. Police issued a directive that the ship leave the Bay immediately.

There was opposition to the directive but eventually the ship left on Sunday morning. The ship was to travel to Honiara for proper check.

On Sunday night, the Renbel provincial premier, Mr Willie Tuhagenga, revealed he was informed Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has instructed the ship to return to Lavagu Bay for check.

A chartered flight arrived in Tigoa yesterday morning. The air taxi brought two local medical personnel.

They had a brief meeting with Premier Tuhagenga upon arrival at Tigoa in which Premier Tuhagenga expressed serious concern about the health of his people and the reasons behind a directive to turn the ship back to Rennell for check.

Dr Pedical Togamae, one of the two local visiting medical personnel, confirmed in the meeting that as of Sunday evening the four suspects recorded improvements to their health conditions.

He said these information were based on information relayed to them by the Ship Master.

Togamae said it is highly likely that the suspects onboard the ship experienced normal fever and flu and not fever linked to coronavirus.

He said had the four suspects suffered from coronavirus, they should be very sick by now or anyone would, by now, had lost his life.

On the contrary, Togamae said the suspects are improving based on charts and reports sent to them by the Ship Master.

Togamae and his companion were escorted by Tigoa police to Lavagu Bay. The chartered air taxi waited for over six hours.

They boarded the ship yesterday under full mask and collected specimen from the suspects who are reportedly locked in a separate room onboard.

The specimens the duo collected were bottled and will be sent to Australia for thorough check and confirmation.

Togamae confirmed they also issued question forms to the suspects to answer.

He said these question forms will help them easily picked up any issue while waiting for the diagnose test done on them to rule out their status.

In Lavagu Village, movements are controlled. Villagers are not allowed to go to the seashore and those onboard the ship are not allowed to go ashore. Most wear simple precautionary masks.

Employees of the mining company (four locals and unknown number of Indonesians) who boarded the ship when it arrived were not allowed to leave the ship until the tests are cleared.

Based on information from the visiting medical personnel, the suspects have recovered and were seen on duty onboard yesterday which comes as a relief to many.

Togamae recommended that any incoming ship from China should be banned from landing in Rennell for safety reasons.

It appears clearance done in Noro Port only focused on quarantine without medical clearance.

He confirmed results of the samples they collected and sent to Australia will be made known in about three or four days.

‘Need to do more’

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Member of Parliament for Aoke Langalanga and Opposition Leader Matthew Wale. Photo Credit; Pacificwin NZ Aus Pacific on LinkedIn.

WALE urges government to watch incoming vessels and students in China

The Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale, calls on the government to do more in dealing with the Wuhan coronavirus in light of the unconfirmed reports that four crew members of a Bintan Mining vessel currently in Rennell, displayed illness ailments similar to the coronavirus symptoms. 

Mr Wale further calls on the government to seriously look into the situation faced by our students currently studying in China.

“Unconfirmed reports suggests that four foreign crew members of a foreign vessel that went to Rennell Island last week to pick up a consignment of bauxite owned by Bintan Mining Ltd are currently sick with coronavirus like symptoms.  

“They are believed to be still on board the vessel and are said to be monitored.”

“Reports received also suggests that this vessel was not cleared by the ports and quarantine authorities as required under law, before going over to Rennell Island, and this worrying,” says the Opposition Leader. 

Wale said if this is true then this practice of evading the law is a serious loop hole which can undermine any efforts put in place to contain the coronavirus internally.  

He said the ministry must act now to verify the reports and to quarantine the whole vessel to avert further threats, and if there are breaches of our border control laws, those responsible must be dealt with accordingly also.

“Any potential breaches of our laws that threaten our people’s health and safety is no laughing matter.”

The Leader of Opposition goes on to add, “I am also aware of at least 10 students currently studying in China and a lot more bound for China after we switched diplomatic ties. 

“These students are our future and are now at the mercy of this deadly virus hence, it is paramount that our government considers their situation as well and put in place measures to ensure their health and safety.”

—OPPOSITION PRESS

SI in ‘high risk’ areas, prevention efforts continue

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Alfred Pagepitu
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A man in Wuhan is being tested for body temperature, similar tests being carried out by MHMS at our airport and ports. Photo from CNA

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

THE Solomon Islands is grouped with the ‘high risk’ areas regarding the coronavirus and work has started to stop it reaching the country, health official says.

A senior official from the Health Ministry (MHMS) yesterday said this is because China is in the same region as Solomon Islands with a lot of people movement between the two countries.

He said the Health Department and the government had put in place control measures as recommendations were received from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The officer said the MHMS, SI Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Immigration had set up mechanisms to prevent it reaching the country.

He said Under the said Regulation, if any person, who has for 14 days prior to arriving in the Solomon Islands, been in a country where there is a confirmed case of Corona Virus, will not be allowed to enter the country and will be requested to board the return flight or be subject to detention or quarantine.

“A help desk has been set up at the Honiara International Airport for travellers and a flyer containing information on the coronavirus and a declaration form have been issued to all travellers.

“Based on declaration form, you may or may not go through a further screening process,” he said.

“Those without any symptoms but had been to the Wuhan Province of China in the past 10 to 14 days will be quarantined.

“Those who have symptoms will be monitored,” he said.

Solomon Islands has taken their travel restrictions a step further, announcing regulations restricting the entry of any person who has travelled to any countries with confirmed cases of coronavirus, which has now spread to 25 countries and regions —including Australia — with the UK and Russia confirming their first cases.

A statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet advised that anyone who had visited a country with a confirmed case in the past 14 days “will not be allowed to enter the country and will be requested to board the return flight or be subject to detention or quarantine”.

The statement said that in addition to members of the public, these restrictions also applied to Government officials and members of Parliament.

“The Government acknowledges the risks associated with the outbreak of diseases as a matter of National Security,” the statement said.

4 held in Rennell

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Barnabas Manebona
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Asians quarantined in mining operation in Renbel province suspected of China corona virus

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA and ALFRED PAGEPITU

FOUR men are being held in isolation in Rennell suspected of having the China coronavirus, it is reported.

Reports reaching Island Sun on the ground say the four men display flu-like symptoms; “Fever, cough and headache.”

Personnel from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services are said to be heading over to Rennell today to check these four men.

A local doctor close to the issue, speaking to Island Sun on anonymity, says samples of body fluid and other specimens will be taken from these four men and sent overseas for analysis.

The doctor cautions that at this stage it cannot be confirmed that the men have the China coronavirus, this status will be confirmed only when results are sent back.

According to a press statement by the mining company whose operation in Rennell has seen this occurrence, Bintan Mining SI Ltd (BMSI), the ship came here from Qimudao, Shandong Province, China.

“A chartered vessel, MV Expert whose local agent is Tradco shipping limited was chartered to load Bauxite at Renell mining operations.

“The vessel departs Qimudao, Shandong Province, China on 17 January 2020 with total of 25 crews and officers on board.

“The vessel was cleared via Noro port on 30 January 2020. Four crews of the vessel have fever as of February 1st, 2020 that we are concerned that it may be related to Corona virus.”

The BMSI also adds that the four men and “the ship” are being quarantined.

However, sharing concerns on social media, public feel that the whole crew of the ship should be quarantined given the fact that the coronavirus takes a couple of days before displaying symptoms and that the crew including the four suspects have been travelling together the past two weeks.

One comments, “Given their interactions as a crew of the one and same ship for two weeks in their journey to the Solomon Islands, there is the possibility that other crew members may have contracted the virus, if it is truly the feared coronavirus.

“So the health ministry experts going over there should check the whole crew. Do not be complacent, this is serious.”

Island Sun understands that there are some factors that may contribute to the men’s condition which are independent from the China coronavirus, according to accounts by BMSI and Dr Pedical Togamae, that the crew had been working under rainy conditions the day they arrived, before the men fell ill, and that they had travelled across a climate gradient (from the winter in China to the tropical Solomon Islands).

Warriors stunned in friendly

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FC Isabel United hat-trick hero Bently Keloby winds up for a shot during their friendly match with Solomon Warriors FC on Thursday 30th. FC Isabel United won 4-2. Picture Benz Newman

Fa’arodo happy with test

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE JNR

ISABEL FC made an impressive comeback to beat Telekom Soccer League (TSL) Champions, Solomon Warriors 4-2 in a friendly match yesterday at Lawson Tama stadium.

Warriors Head Coach, Henry Fa’arodo Jnr told SunSPORTS he is happy with his side’s performance despite the result saying it was their first real test after coming back from weeks of training in build up for the Oceania Champions League next month.

“I’m happy with the results today (Thursday 29th) the performance of the boys. This is our first game after four weeks of intensive physical training,” the former national skipper said.

“We did not do much of tactical work, but the boys has shown glimpses of understanding of what we try to do tactically, so I’d say probably ninety five percent I’m happy as this is the first step we are taking to reach the level we want.

Warriors had the upper hand throughout the game scoring through Dennis Ifunaoa and Lency Norman to lead 2-0 at the breather.

The Gideon Omokirio led Isabel FC came back with a more attacking approach and pulled a goal back through Bently Kelobi who completed a hat-trick in that victory.

The match stats obviously gone Warriors way with number of shots on target as Fa’arodo involved all his players in the game.

Warrior’s lethal winger, Dennis Ifunaoa also made some good runs combining well with Jerry Donga upfront, only to be denied by a desperate Isabel FC defense.

“There’s room for improvements, which is the best thing about it. This is our stepping stone, probably the baseline of where we can be in terms of playing games as we cannot go below that but going forward,” Fa’arodo said.

The men in red were also without their top goal scorer, Vanuatu import Tony Kaltack.

“Yes, for Tony he missed out today game and our trainings because he is still in Vanuatu.

“From what I know he is still waiting for his immigration papers which is causing the hold up, but definitely he is part of the team and expected to be back next week.

Meanwhile, Warriors reclaimed the TSL title for the sixth time securing a place in next month’s 2020 OFC Champions’ League Group C in New Caledonia.

“To take the boys to the next level which is the Champions League is a big achievement for the team.

 “I think for us it’s a good group looking at the teams we are going to compete with. Now it’s up to how well be preparing in the remaining weeks lead up to the competition.

Warriors are grouped in Group C alongside AS Magenta (New Caledonia), AS Tiare Tahiti (Tahiti) and qualifying stage runner up.

Travel ban?

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Alfred Pagepitu
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Honiara International Airport. Photo by Alfred Pagepitu.

Health ministry suggests the surest temporary means of protecting Solomon Islands, all eyes on cabinet to decide

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

THE Ministry of health and medical services (MHMS) has reportedly requested a temporary travel ban on incoming travellers from Wuhan or China.

The million dollar question is whether government will endorse this.

Senior officials within the health ministry, speaking to Island Sun in anonymity, say cabinet should view the situation as “gravely serious” because of the aggressiveness of the coronavirus and should not be complacent.

They warn cabinet not to compare the current scenario with the recent Measles campaign, in which MHMS also requested a temporary ban on incoming travels but was rejected by the Attorney General before their submission could even make it to cabinet.

Health officials say process to detect the coronavirus is made complicated by the fact that carriers do not often display symptoms for few days, hence would pass detection processes in airports or ports.

Island Sun understands that cabinet met yesterday to deliberate on the submission by MHMS on the China coronavirus; a decision was yet to be made known when this paper went to print last night.

Members of public have also taken their concerns to social media, some having turned up at the Island Sun office to express their fears and concerns that current measures may not be enough to keep out the China coronavirus.

They also share the same idea that a temporary travel ban be imposed on inbound vessels and planes.

However, skeptic health officials tell Island Sun that regarding their temporary travel ban request for the Measles outbreak, the Attorney General had turned down the suggestion citing several reasons.

Loss of business to aviation, airlines and seaports, and such, were some of the reasons stated and other reasons were financial loss to SIG due to travelers claiming compensation for flight and travel disruptions.

“AG also highlighted that our current legislation does not protect or make SIG immune to any compensation claimants or such, in such a travel ban scenario,” the health officials say.

Island Sun understands that the meeting yesterday included Government ministries such as the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Communications and Aviation, Immigrations, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), the National Security and including UNICEF and WHO. The briefing was to ensure all responsible stakeholders are well coordinated and are prepared to respond to the emerging threat of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) to Solomon Islands.

Ministry of health is working closely with all health departments responsible for different clusters on daily basis. Daily meetings and debriefings are conducted to assess actions and monitor implementation of next actions

Gov’t through MHMS carries out measures to ensure citizens are safe

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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All incoming international travellers subjected to temperature check upon arrival at the Henderson International Airport in Honiara on Thursday 29th January.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

THE National Government through the Ministry Of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) with other agencies is taking a leading role to manage and strategize on measures to combat coronavirus in Solomon Islands.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in accordance with the Immigration Act and Quarantine Act, Solomon Islands would advise travel advisories and measures be implemented to ensure safety to citizens of Solomon Islands.

“All persons arriving in Solomon Islands will be required to complete a Traveller’s Public Health Declaration Card (Copy attached). This advisory becomes effective from January 28, 2020. This traveller’s health declaration card replaces the one currently being used in relations to measles threat.    

“Citizens and residents of Solomon Islands who are planning to travel to China are recommended to avoid and or defer non-essential travel and take standard precautions to prevent the infection during travel.

“All incoming international travellers will be subjected to temperature check upon arrival in Solomon Islands.

“Incoming travellers who have been in China 15 days prior to their arrival in Solomon Islands are mandated to report to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Public Health Department Emergency and Surveillance Unit on telephone +677 23650 if they develop acute respiratory infection and have symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulty.

Telekom and Bemobile staffs at the airport were all use facemask

“Incoming travellers who have travelled to or from China within the past 15 days who display symptoms including fever and cough with or without breathing difficulty will be isolated upon arrival and will be investigated for 2019-n-CoV infection.

“The vessel operators and airlines operating in Solomon Islands are mandated to report presence of sick person on board as per equipment under the International Health Regulations (2005). 

The necessary directive may be issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and immigration to all countries with whom Solomon Islands has Diplomatic relations including regional bodies such as the SPC and Pacific Forum as well as airlines and shipping companies that serve the Solomon’s to implement these measures.

MHMS condemns speculation on social media

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Alfred Pagepitu
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Passengers arriving from Australia at the Honiara International airport go through thermal sensors as workers check for coronavirus symptoms on Thursday 29th January.

MHMS condemns speculation on social media

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has rubbished speculation on social media that the coronavirus has reached Solomon Islands that Ministry has done nothing over the monitoring at the Honiara international airport.

Medical authority is on full alert, monitoring procedures have been ratcheted up at air and sea ports and all other points of entry, and health officials are on hand to check all inbound passengers for signs of illness

Health officials expressed to Island Sun yesterday that speculation on social media that the coronavirus has reached Solomon Islands was “fake news”.

They said information on any confirmed cases would be made known by the Ministry of Health and responsible people to the people.

“We are working with officials at the airports and ports and screening everyone coming into the country,” they said.

“So if we have any confirmed case, we will advise through the mainstream media or inform the public the virus is reaching our shore, but at the moment Solomon Island is still safe.

“Please do not believe everything you read (on social media),” one officer said.

“We already have a team in communication with all hospitals and clinics throughout the nation.

“Any information on confirmed cases will be released through health authority,” he said.

In a statement released yesterday, MHMS permanent secretary, Pauline McNeil said that considering a number of nearby countries had already recorded suspected cases, the likelihood of Coronavirus appearing in the Solomon Islands could not be ruled out.

 Ms McNeil advised the ministry has already formed a technical working group including experts from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

 “Essential medical supplies to handle cases of 2019-nCoV are also being mobilised and development partners are standing by with additional resources should these be needed,” she said.

 “We want to reassure everyone – both local people and travellers heading to the Solomon Islands – that we are preparing for that possibility,” Ms McNeil said.

 “As a ‘first line’ of defence MHMS is working with immigration and customs officials at ports and airports, training them on how to recognise cases of 2019-nCoV.

 “Incoming visitors will be provided with guidance on what to do if they think they have the infection.”

 In the meantime, she said everyone should remain alert for signs or symptoms of the disease especially if they had visited Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in the past 15 days or had come in close contact with anyone returning from affected countries showing similar symptoms.

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