BY KHAMA LINCOLN
Isles Media Freelance Reporter in Gizo
MEMBERS of Western Provincial Assembly are tasked to continue informing people in their wards on the importance of adhering to covid-19 safety measures to curb any further transmission of the highly contagious virus in the province.
Premier Christian Mesepitu said, after a meeting earlier this week, MPAs have their tasks to carry out in their wards – one has to go around in their communities and assist in setting up covid-19 ward committees to help rural communities in the fight against the common enemy.
“One of the plans we’re looking at is for Provincial Disaster Operation Committee to liaise with our ward development committees which are already formed, to use them to do awareness in the villages on issues about covid-19.” He said.
He explains that the other option is for MPAs to go out and do awareness in their villages, and set up village committees. The plan is for the village committees to carry out awareness on the restrictions of travelling and movements of people within and amongst communities and Islands, and to alert people about important covid-19 measures for them to obey and put into practice.
“I want to give my general awareness to all people in my ward of Vonunu, to continue adhere to regulations under the state of public emergency, also I understand that there are villages already forming their committees, so I want them to include every rules, and instruction given out for them to implement.”
He advised communities that are yet to setup their committees to do so sooner than later, and prepare to carry out awareness and liaise with Provincial Disaster Operation Committee.
Premier Mesepitu advised that movement will be limited only to food garden and health clinics.
“Limit public gatherings, apply social distancing and wear mask, hand gloves and sanitizer. If you don’t have sanitizer at home, try to use soaps, and saltwater to wash hands. Try as much as possible to limit movements. And gatherings such playing Ludo to stop in the villages. He also advises people along the coast to put securities at the beaches and watch for any movements to protect their communities from the spread of covid-19.” he said.
Meanwhile, Elder Samuel Sive the MPA for central Marovo ward, in which Rukutu village is situated, and where the Landing Craft Nusa Tupe with alleged covid-19 positive crew dropped off passengers last month, calls on all residents of central Marovo to follow all covid-19 measures imposed by the government health authority.
“Some of the safety measures are wearing of face mask, home isolation and social distancing, stop all gatherings, and listen out for further advices from authorities.”
He pointed out, as frontliners are carrying out required assessments, swabbing and contact tracing, people have to do their part to stop the spread of covid-19 into the villages.
Marovo is one of the regions in the western province on lockdown since Wednesday evening to allow frontline team to carry out assessments.
Featured photo Credit: SOLSTAR
