As of 30th January 2020 the Ministry of Health has confirmed that there are NO confirmed or suspected Coronavirus cases in the Country. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) will continue to provide update and inform the general public through the mainstream media. The MHMS closely monitored the situation and working closely with stakeholders and partners to ensure possible protection to any importation of the Coronavirus (2019 –nCov) into the country.
The Health Emergency Operation Committee (HEOC) has been activated after a briefing with the National Disaster Operation Committee (NDOC) of Health and all health clusters are now tasked with different responsibilities.
The activation of HEOC has called on all sectors and departments within health and outside of health for operational actions to be done on the novel coronavirus situation. The MHMS requests that proper coordination of activities and delegation of tasks and responsibilities are in place.
The committee members attended includes Government Ministries such as the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Communications and Aviation, Immigrations, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), the National Security and including UNICEF and WHO. The briefing was to ensure all responsible stakeholders are well coordinated and are prepared to respond to the emerging threat of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) to Solomon Islands.
Since the activation of HEOC the Ministry of health is working closely with all health departments responsible for different clusters on daily basis. Daily meetings and debriefings are conducted to assess actions and monitor implementation of next actions
So far the traveller’s public health declaration cards are given to the international port of entries: Temperature screening commenced as of today at the International arrival lounge, active surveillance and additional information on posters for incoming passengers have been printed and distributed. Travel advice from the ministry of Health has also been published.
Stakeholders such as immigration who are custodian of the immigration Act and Aviation are engaged in this operation for support in securing the transit lounge as the quarantine space in the event should there be any suspected cases. Moreover, trainings on preparedness has been done.
The Novel Coronavirus has symptoms such as coughing, fever and difficulty in breathing, therefore the public is advised to keep up with the good healthy habits to prevent importation and spreading of the virus. Avoid close contact with sick people, practice regular handwashing with soap and water, cover your mouth when cough and sneezing and moreover avoid crowded areas.
