WESTERN Provincial Disaster Operation Committee (WPDOC) has received $90,000 from the National Disaster Office to deal with the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Provincial Secretary of Western Province Jeffrey Wickham announced the support during one of WPDOC’s meetings this week.
He said the fund will assist WPDOC with logistical support in making sure COVID-19 response plans are effectively carried out.
“We have received $90,000.00 from the national government through the disaster office to help us better respond to the current outbreak.
“This funds will help us to implement our needed plans so we better prepare and respond to the situation,” Wickham said.
He said the situation is critical as such response plans must be effectively carried out immediately.
CHAIRMAN of Emergency Operation Centre for Covid-19 at Kilu’ufi hospital Dr. Rex Maukera has called on people in the province to continue practicing covid-19 measures.
Maukera made the call following the confirmation of two additional positive cases for the province, bringing it to seven cases at the moment.
He said the province and the country is facing very critical times and cooperatIon is crucial to deal with the covid-19 situation in the country.
Dr. Maukera said authorities continue to issue information on the situation and it’s important that the public must be heedful of advice given.
“I must reiterate that call, especially to the public in Auki and Malaita province to uphold wearing of facemask, social distancing, hand-washing, and limit public movement.
“And if anyone who is yet to get their vaccines, they must do so.
“The virus is now in our midst and we must work collectively to face the current situation,” he said.
Maukera also thanked communities throughout the province for taking up initiatives to implement community covid-19 plans to stop further transmission of the virus.
He urged leaders from all stakeholders within to put required resources together and work with their people in tackling this situation.
Maukera said the provincial health will continue to liaise with people in the province during this critical time.
The impact of COVID-19 around the world has claimed and disrupted the lives of peoples and slowed and contracted the global economy, regrettably, Solomon Islands has registered its first COVID-19 related deaths.
As community transmission of the virus surges in the Solomon Islands, China and Solomon Islands stand in solidarity with the families and governments, and people who have lost loved ones to the pandemic and remain steadfast to work with everyone to fight the pandemic.
On January 26, 2022, Cabinet Ministers of Solomon Islands, Dr. Culwick Togamana, Minister of Health and Medical Services, and Anthony Veke, Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services along with His Excellency Ambassador LI Ming of the People’s Republic of China Embassy in the Solomon Islands were at Honiara International Airport to receive the emergency humanitarian assistance supplies from the People’s Republic of China.
China’s Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Mi Ling
The two countries further celebrate the strength of their relationship with China’s support today of presenting 50,000 Sinopharm vaccines, 20,000 Rapid Antigen Test Kits, 21,000 disposal syringes, 50 tent units, and financial humanitarian assistance of USD320,000 to the Government of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
The consignment also includes the second shipment of Anti-Riot Gears, equipment, and uniforms for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to assist the Police in carrying its law and order mandate during this challenging time. The first shipment was done back in late December 2021.
The partnership is given in solidarity and with a “umi tugeda” spirit of togetherness, echoing the global mantra that no one is safe until everyone is safe.
The medical supplies and assistance received by the Solomon Islands from China support the country’s efforts to halt the surge of the virus within our communities and isolate and eliminate the virus from our shores.
The two countries further agree to keep working together in tackling the pandemic with China’s consideration of an additional 300,000 Rapid Antigen Test Kits and the contribution of building a large tent field hospital.
In responding to Solomon Islands’ immediate needs, the Solomon Islands welcome China’s provision of 1000 bags of rice, 300 cartons of tuna of food to support vulnerable households during the pandemic.
Solomon Islands welcome the arrival of the Chinese Technical and expertise team to further assess National Referral Hospital (NRH) as part of the NRH improvement initiative, water and security needs of the country as we deepen cooperation with the goal of strengthening our collective preventive action to control and eliminate the pandemic and build quality lives in a secured environment for the people of Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islands Government wishes to use this platform to urge all its national who have to be vaccinated to get vaccinated, it is the best protection and shield for our families, our country, and ourselves against the onslaught of the virus.
Solomon Islands recognize all partners including China for past support in the last two years in supporting the construction of the PCR lab, isolation wards of NRH, and supporting earlier shipments of vaccines and medical supplies.
Minister of Police, Anthony Veke
The takes this opportunity to acknowledge all security partners including China who have worked closely with the Government in maintaining security, law, and order and continue to build up the capacity and capability of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
The Solomon Islands once again thank China for the humanitarian assistance and commitment to keep building a strong resilient Solomon Islands with the necessary infrastructure and security to allow peace, progress, and prosperity to shape Solomon Islands’ future.
—Joint Media ReleaseBetween Solomon Islands Government and PRC Embassy in the Solomon Islands
THE Gen X-PERT machine at the Kilu’ufi hospital in Auki will be put to use soon, enabling testing for COVID-19 in the province.
Chairman of the Emergency Operation Centre for Covid-19 at Kilu’ufi hospital Dr Rex Maukera confirmed this to Island Sun today.
He said the machine was installed last year but due to the lab not meeting standards for infection and prevention control aimed at protecting health workers, the machine was not used until now.
Maukera, however said with the current need for the use of the machine they started work on the lab last week and it is nearing completion.
He said as long as the work is done and it meets the required standards, tests for COVID-19 will be conducted at Kilu’ufi hospital.
Maukera also said that training for lab technicians who will be using the lab is currently happening at Kilu’ufi hospital.
He said they are looking forward to completing work on the lab and the training of technicians this weekend to prepare the machine for use by next week.
The Gen X-PERT machined was installed at Kilu’ufi hospital as part of preparations by the Ministry of Health (MHMS) through the provincial health for covid-19 in the province.
The machine has multiple uses as it can also be used for screening resistant TB cases.
TWO additional vaccination sites were identified to accommodate unvaccinated and partial vaccinated people in Honiara when the lock-down is lifted.
This was confirmed by Diane Maggie Row from the Public Health Promotion Department of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
“We have two new additional vaccinated sites in Honiara, they are Kukum SDA car park and Honiara City Council Car Park, “Row said.
She said as of January 31st, next week if the lockdown is to be lifted these sites will be opened for people to go and get their jabs
These two additional vaccination sites are for those living in Honiara.
In addition, the Ministry of Health has advised those who will be vaccinated to wear face masks, maintain social distancing, and also frequently wash their hands when queuing for their vaccine dose.
AUKI town has recorded an additional two positive cases of covid-19 after results from six swabs sent to Honiara last week came back.
Chairman of Emergency Operation Centre for Covid-19 at Kilu’ufi hospital and Director of Malaita Provincial health, Dr. Rex Maukera confirmed this to this paper today.
He said upon contact tracing and swabs carried out on six people last week, the EOC has sent six samples to Honiara for testing and now has returned with the results.
Maukera said the result was; two returned positive and four were negative.
He said the result has shown an additional two cases to the first five and Auki is at the moment with seven cases.
Maukera said although the increase happened at a slower pace compared to Honiara, Auki town and the province at large are still at high risk with the virus.
“With that, I call on residents in Auki and people from the province to continue to listen out for health information on the current situation and practice covid-19 measures,” he said.
Maukera also said that recently they had completed contact tracing on some people and they will soon carry out testing (swabs) on them to send for testing.
He said at the moment the original five cases and two new ones are in stable conditions as they continue to monitor them.
Honiara is the beating heart of the country's economy.
Health authorities have identified 13 additional covid hotspots within Honiara city since Tuesday this week, taking the total to 38 hotspots.
The 13 areas include the Lungga Market area, Mbokona, Tuvaruhu, Pakoe, Kukum SDA head quarter, Kombevatu, Lengakiki, Number 3, Mbokonavera 2, Tanuli, Panatina heights, Ranadi APCO area and the Pacific Casino area.
Health and Medical Services Minister Dr. Culwick Togamana today urged residents in these areas to limit movement and interaction in order to reduce the chances of getting infected.
“All in these hotspot areas, you are strongly advised to limit movements within your community and beyond. Remain at home and strictly observe COVID-19 public health care measures at all times,” Dr. Togamana said.
Contact tracing data collected since the outbreak last week has indicated a jump in hotspot figures which predicted more transmission in the coming days.
Gizo and Kolombangara food distribution team distributing food supplies
BY BEN BILUA Gizo
MEMBER of Parliament for Gizo/Kolombangara has reached out to her constituents who are stranded in Honiara with food supplies.
Schulte Maetoloa, a Gizo/Kolombangara constituent today received a bag of rice and mixed goods which includes noodles and taiyo.
“The ratio of goods depends on the number of households – meaning if you are with your family, you will receive extra,” he said.
Maetoloa said distribution of food supplies begins today and will continue tomorrow until everyone receives their shares.
He said a lot of people were not planning to stay long in Honiara but were caught in the current COVID-19 outbreak.
“Like many others, I came up to Honiara for a two weeks training on Quality Seafood but then this outbreak happened which leads to a lockdown and now we are stranded.
“I was not planning to stay long in Honiara but I have no choice. I have to follow advice from responsible authorities in an effort to contain this virus,” Maetoloa said.
He described the assistance from Lanelle Olandrea Tanangada as life serving because the assistance comes at the right time when people of her constituency needed help.
“On behalf of stranded Gizo/Kolombangara constituents in Honiara, we wished to register our acknowledgment to Hon Lanelle and her team for the support.
“The food supplies will sustain us until that time we can be able to return home,” Maetoloa said.
He suggests other Members of Parliament should also reach out to their constituents who are stranded in Honiara.
CHAIRMAN of the Emergency Operation Centre for Covid-19 at Kilu’ufi hospital and, Director of Malaita Provincial health, Dr Rex Maukera says the $1.9m passed by the Malaita Provincial Government will be used for covid-19 preparation in the province.
Dr Maukera told Island Sun the fund will go towards upgrading and developing covid-19 facilities at Kilu’ufi hospital and in Auki.
He said the virus is already in Auki and a hasty preparation is very much crucial to deal with the situation.
Maukera said the Kilu’ufi hospital has facilities for covid-19; however, there is a need for improvement for the current situation.
He said as preparation mounts, the provincial health team will ensure both covid-19 operation and normal hospital services are functioning.
He said the Malaita Provincial Disaster Operation Centre (PDOC) is at the moment working on the implementation of the fund.
In a statement, the MPG said it has passed the $1.9 million budget to counter the current covid-19 situation in the province.
The endorsement of the budget was made upon a submission made from PDOC to support its current covid-19 operation for Malaita province.
According to the statement, the budget would give the operation centre adequate finance to deal with issues concerning logistics, accommodation and others.
It said one of the main items that need support is preparing the Aligegeo School into a processing facility to accommodate any big numbers of patients that might be infected and sick.
Auki town has recorded five positive cases since Friday last week and patients are reported to have been in stable condition.
AUKI betel nut market was closed on Tuesday following advice from the Malaita Provincial Government through the Malaita Provincial Disaster Operation Centre (PDOC) in Auki.
The temporary closure is part of measures implemented by authorities to curb the spread of coronavirus in Auki.
Chairman of Emergency Operation Centre for covid-19 at Kilu’ufi hospital, Dr. Rex Maukera said the action taken is part of measures taken on activities in Auki.
He said on Monday this week, a call was made to scale down on public movement as well as business operations and the positive response was shown.
Maukera said although the response is slow people understand what they’ve been instructed, especially on covid-19 measures and there is an improvement.
He said for betel-nut, there is a risk that the activities associated with it are the potential to deteriorate the current situation in Auki.
Maukera warned betel-nut chewers not to spit betel-nut stain on public walkways or places that will pose risk to the public.
He said the betel-nut market is temporarily closed and will resume when advice is given.
