THE Attorney General John Muria Junior today confirmed that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Friday signed orders to lift some restrictions imposed by the government in Honiara since the outbreak of COVID-19 community transmission in January.
Speaking during the National Oversight Committee Talk Back Show today (Sunday 6th March), Mr Muria Jnr said a number of orders were signed by the Prime Minister on Friday and the first one is the lifting of border restrictions at Poha and Alligator.
He said restrictions at this point of entries into Honiara Emergency Zone have now been lifted.
However, he said those entering into Honiara Emergency Zone are still required to observe COVID-19 protocols.
“…you must be fully vaccinated, carry with you your vaccination certificate, wear your facemask, practice social distancing, have with you your hand sanitizer and such things.
“So these are the conditions for entry into Honiara Emergency Zone,” Mr Muria Jnr said.
He said the second order lifted on Friday was the curfew from 12midnight to 6am.
“…that has been lifted.
“There are no longer anymore curfews in place,” he said.
He said the third order signed by the Prime Minister was the lifting of restrictions on small crafts and outboard motored vessels.
“…that has been lifted and we now allow these boats into the Honiara Emergency Zone,” the Attorney General said.
However, he added that it is a health recommendation that the entry point for all these boats will be the SI Ports Authority area where outboard motor boats from the provinces usually berth.
“That is the point of entry into Honiara if you come by boat from outside,” Mr Muria Jnr said.
“There will be a tent set up at the site to do rapid testing.
“The conditions to allow small boats to come in are that, if you arrive and tested at the site and you are positive, you must go to where you are going to and self-isolate and also before you go from Honiara you must test and you must be negative before you are allowed to go out of Honiara.
“If you are positive then you will not be allowed to leave Honiara. You will return to your house and self-isolate for the period required,” he said.
