MINISTER for Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Dickson Mua will discuss with the Immigration Office to stop the Solomon Airlines Saturday flight and close down Munda International Airport.
He told Solomon Star in an exclusive interview last night.
“This is a serious concern and I think I have to discuss it with other responsible authorities to cancel the Saturday flights to Munda International Airport in the Western Province,” he added.
He further stressed that at the moment Munda did not have a quarantine site and it will pose a great threat once we continue to allow international flights to Munda.
“Maybe all the international flights should come through Honiara International Airport Only,” he added.
When asked if the government can just shut down all the international flights to Honiara like what Marshall Island did Mua said this needs to go through processes.
“Some of us are thinking that way but then there are other factors that we need to be considered before any decision can be made in that direction,” Mua added.
He further stressed that our economic status will be the main factor and the government will have to think very seriously about it.
Mua said that at the moment his ministry is working around the clock to make sure the country is ready to deal with COVID-19.
The Western Provincial health committee has also recommended the closure of Munda international airport in light of the virus outbreak.
Meanwhile, 16 persons are currently in the quarantine sites in Honiara under the supervision of the COVID-19 local medial team.
By ANDREW FANASIA
