Don’t panic: PM

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has urged all Solomon Islanders to stop spreading rumours that would cause people to panic. Sogavare made the call in his speech to the nation, Friday. “I would also like to remind everyone that we should not create unnecessary panic by spreading rumours and speculating,” he said. He also urged the…

CBSI imposes new COVID-19 measures

THE Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has imposed new measures for the public to limit the exposure and risk related to COVID-19.  From March 30th, 2020, the public must adhere to the following measures.  All visitors (customers, clients, consultants, etc.) including staff shall go through a mandatory body temperature screening outside of the building…

Gov’t: quarantine no longer an option

HOME quarantine is now not an option upon issuing of Travel Adviory No.4 for enforcement on the 22nd of March 2020.  The Ministry of Health boosts up its interventions in the prevention preparedness response to the COVID-19 Global Emergency.  “Any incoming travellers will be transported directly to the quarantine centre upon arrival and will remain…

SINU shuts down for five weeks

THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) will be calling off classes for five weeks beginning Monday 30th March as a precautionary measure against COVID-19.  SINU made the decision in response to the State of Public Emergency announced by the government in its efforts to combat the introduction and the possible spread of the disease in…

PM ASSURES NATION 

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has reassured the nation that government authorities have been working around the clock to manage this COVID-19 pandemic.  He made the assurance yesterday when he announced the next steps forward following the Governor General’s declaration on the State of Public Emergency this week. Sogavare made the proclamation yesterday pursuant to section…

ORDERS EFFECTIVE NOW: PM

Honiara declared emergency zone By ANDREW FANASIA PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare had ordered that all the night clubs and pubs within the city boundary shut down temporarily. He made the following orders under the power vested on him when he addressed the nation yesterday in response to the escalation of COVID-19 threat that it poses…

Ports offers free berth for ships

SOLOMON Ports has announced it will completely remove all domestic charges to all local vessels berthing at the Honiara domestic terminal for one month.  The fee waiver will come into effect as of next Monday 30th March 2020, Ports said in a statement.  “The removal of all domestic charges will be in force for one…

‘SINPF must step in’

AN economist and former top public servant say the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) should allow members to withdraw part of their savings with the fund. George Kosui made the call in light of the threats from the deadly coronavirus, which has already reached neighbouring countries. Kosui in a statement on Thursday said the coronavirus…

Guadalcanal chiefs ban Vehicles entries 

FOLLOWING the ‘State of Emergency’ declaration made by the Governor-General Sir David Vunagi on Wednesday chiefs in North West Guadalcanal have restricted vehicles traveling from Honiara to the region. The North West Guadalcanal chiefs yesterday issued a restriction notice to all vehicles who usually travel to North West Guadalcanal purposely to buy betel nut.  North…