Solomon Islands has a second positive case of the COVID-19. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that there is now a second positive COVID-19 student and is now currently in isolation.
Sogavare says that of the 92 tests conducted yesterday, 1 returned positive. He says there are 4 further tests being conducted, including that of the second positive case.
The Prime Minister said that the second positive student was seated close to the first positive case during the repatriation flight from the Philippines.
Sogavare says that like the first case, the second positive student does not show signs or symptoms of the COVID-19 but is being monitored.
He says the second positive student occupied a single room in quarantine and therefore the risk for further transmission is low.
Sogavare assured the nation that our front liners and health professional teams are working diligently and are adhering to established protocols and operating procedures.
He says the risk of community transmission is low, and both positive cases were detected in quarantine and therefore contained and isolated.
Sogavare says there will not be a lock down but urges all to adhere to COVID-19 safety measures. This includes social distancing, good hygiene practice such as coughing on elbow and washing of hands with soap and water.
Government is continuously assessing the situation and will inform the public of any additional measures.