PRIME Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has dismissed rumors that Solomon Islands has picked up a number of new positive COVID 19 cases from members of the deployment currently assisting the country regain lawlessness in the capital city Honiara.
Social media platform reported a number of positive cases of COVID-19 picked up from members of the deployment serving in the country.
Dismissing the rumors in a Special National Address late Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Sogavare said, “it is sad that those sharing this information did not wait for the truth on this matter.”
When it comes to COVID-19, please listen only to the Ministry of Health and its partners for correct information, the Prime Minister advised.
The Prime Minister explained, testers picked up some inconclusive results in today’s testing. However, after the health team did repeat swabs for confirmatory tests, the results returned negative.
“I am pleased to inform you all that all the inclusive results on day 4 have come back negative so Solomon Islands is still COVID-19 free.”
Health will continue to test these officers on days 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 to ensure they remain negative. If they test negative for all these tests, these officers are then free to mix with people as they continue their work in the country.
The Prime Minister further expounded, in agreement with the relevant authorities in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji, only officers that have been fully vaccinated, and tested negative for COVID-19 were allowed for deployment into Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister further clarified, under the agreement, these officers are exempted from institutional quarantine. However, in the first 10 – 14 days all the officers have been advised to observe COVID-safe practices including the wearing of face masks, hand sanitizing, social distancing, and avoid crowds.
The key message is that COVID-19 can still invade our shores.
Everyone in Honiara and Guadalcanal who are not yet vaccinated should get their jab now and onwards.
