Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has urged all citizens of Solomon Islands to keep fighting with all means despite the country’s rank as one of the COVID-19 free countries in the world.

Test results of the country’s 13 suspected cases have been confirmed negative with the two most recent results returning negative from Australia on April 19.

Sogavare said the country continues to be blessed and enjoy the status of a COVID-19 free Solomon Islands.

“However, this does not mean we are to be complacent but we must continue to strive and take all precautionary measures to ensure that we continue to remain COVID-19 free,” he said in his nation-wide COVID-19 address on Friday.

The Prime Minister attributed this outcome as a testament to everyone’s continuous united stand against this virus especially those working in the front line.

“Their courage and selfless commitment is a show of true courage - a manifestation of loyal patriotic Solomon Islanders,” Sogavare said.

Sogavare was also overwhelmed by the commitment of churches and Christians all over the country for their ongoing prayers to ask God for protection and safety during these difficult time.

As of 24 April 2020, 6 countries (Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam and New Caledonia) in the Pacific Islands have reported 254 cases and 7 deaths, excluding the number of cases from USS Theodore Roosevelt currently docked in Guam.

The Solomon Islands government continues to work on its preparedness and their responses to COVID-19 through public health surveillance, risk communication and educational assessment.

Solomon Islands has locked its borders and is currently in a State of Emergency. Tough penalties have been put in place for those that breach regulations imposed by government. 

With GCU