BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
CENTRAL Island province received much-needed COVID-19 support last month, thanks to the Australian Government through the Australian High Commission in Honiara.
Premier Hon Stanley Manetiva on behalf of his people in Central Province, expressed appreciation to the Australian High Commission for the timely support stating that the most important thing now is to work together to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the communities.
“I would like to thank the Australian High Commission in Honiara for their timely support. We look forward to working closely in partnership during these challenging times,’’ said Premier Manetiva.
He told Sunday Isles that his government and the people of Central Island province owe the AHC and the people of Australia for the assistance.
“My Provincial government and my people of Central Island Province owe the AHC.
“Thank you very much for the much-needed medical, food, fuel supplies and also for transportation of these supplies,’’ said the Premier.
Hon Manetiva said the province is still facing quite a high number of Covid 19 cases being diagnosed and he called on people to always practice health safety measures put in place by health authorities such as social distancing, hand washing, wearing masks, and avoiding movements.
“Adherence to these measures is quite lacking in the communities but that has been my humble call for people, to practice what we ought to do according to the covid-19 protocols. Don’t think lightly, this is a global pandemic, so we must take precautions,’’ he told Sunday isles recently.
He also warned boat owners of the province to seek permission from the Provincial Disaster Operating Committee (PDOC) before traveling to and from Honiara.
“No ships are allowed to travel to our Ports. Boats travel to and from Honiara must seek permission on the PDOC before traveling. The vessel must follow covid-19 protocols before traveling,’’ said Hon. Manetiva.
He said Central province has rollout vaccination to the communities and he again called on all church leaders, community leaders to work with the nurses during the rollout.
Australia has supported the RSIPF Maritime Division to the provinces including the Central Islands, transporting medical supplies (including oxygen concentrators). Last month, MV Torres Star has traveled to Makira Province with rice, fuel and medical supplies and MV FORD to Choiseul Province carrying 10 tonnes of rice.
