Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that 6 more students studying in the Philippines have tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of positive cases to 12.
The 6 new positive cases are from the second batch of COVID-19 tests that was conducted on Sunday 13th September.
Sogavare says that as with the first six confirmed cases, none of the new six showed symptoms of COVID-19.
Sogavare acknowledged the work of the Philippines Red Cross society in carrying out pre-departure tests.
As per the government’s pre-departure measures, intending travelers to Solomon Islands must undergo COVID-19 tests before boarding the plane.
All passengers regardless of their nationality or status will and must undergo strict testing and quarantine protocols prior to, during and after arrival.
All incoming passengers must be individually approved, and each traveler will have taken three COVID-19 tests in the 21 days before the flight. They will only be allowed to board the plane if all three tests are negative for COVID-19.
The repatriation flights to the Philippines are Flight IE618 on 26 September Honiara via Biak to Manila Flight IE619 on 27 September Manila via Biak to Honiara Flight IE620 on 28 September Honiara via Biak to Manila Flight IE621 on 29 September Manila via Biak to Honiara.