‘Covid-19 is under control’
THE Solomon Islands Government must be praised for its tough stand in keeping our country and people safe from COVID-19 since the outbreak last year.
This was the statement of a political observer who wanted his name withheld.
The observer told the Solomon Star that although the national government was “bombarded” in the role it played under the leadership of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, there are certain things which people must thank the government for.
“I for one have been criticising the government in many fronts, but as I think about what our government under the leadership of Sogavare did to keep COVID-19 out of our reach, it must be commended,” the observer said.
He added that the commitment of frontline officers in the country has enabled Solomon Islands to contain the COVID-19 virus despite the number of cases recorded in the country.
“As an observer I think the government and the hardworking frontline officers are doing a fantastic job.
“But let us be reminded not to let our guards down because this virus is still out there and any time it can enter the country, our borders must be controlled always,” he said.
Solomon Islands has recorded 20 COVID-19 cases, all of whom have been recovered. Our neighbouring Papua New Guinea recorded 16,799 cases, 167 deaths and 16,132 recovered. Fiji recorded 1,533 case, 6 deaths and 452 recovered.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) update from Friday a total of 178,203,523 Coronavirus cases have been recorded in the world, 162,710,235 cases have recovered and 3,857,939 have died from the virus.
Meanwhile, the political observer wish to remind the government that while it is prioritising COVID-19, it must not forget the economy of this country.
“Our health system is deteriorating and the government and the ministry responsible must not neglect our health system,” the observer added.
The government through the Ministry for Health and Medical Services have already rolled out the COVID-19 vaccine. The two vaccines are AstraZeneca and Sinopharm.
The ministry is calling on the general public 18 years and above living in and around Honiara to be vaccinated.
By ANDREW FANASIA
Newsroom, Honiara
