In the early hours of Saturday morning the country recorded its first positive case of COVID-19.

In his weekly address today Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says that despite the positive status of one of the students the situation is under control.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said shortly after the confirmation of the positive test result on Saturday, he instructed that Cabinet be convened.

The Cabinet met and instructed the Oversight Committee to implement all safety measures and necessary protocols to contain and manage the virus.

Cabinet also instructed that there will be no general lock down. It also instructed a review and deferment of all repatriation flights.

Sogavare said that Cabinet also met yesterday and was briefed on the situation by the public health emergency and surveillance team.

Sogavare said Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Health to conduct fortnightly testing of all staff and ground crew.

Cabinet has also instructed that all health workers be tested on a fortnightly basis. Staff and flight crew of the Solomon Airlines have also been notified and will also be tested.

As part of established protocols the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Philippines Red Cross were also notified of the positive COVID-19 case.

"This positive case will only strengthen our resolve to fight this virus. We must be vigilant and united and continue to pray for our country and families affected. This is not the time to play the blame game," Prime Minister Sogavare said.