PM told bus drivers, conductors & passengers to wear mask & no overloading

With the confirmation today of community transmission of COVID-19 in the capital, Honiara, the Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has called on buses to ensure at least only two people per row and bus drivers, conductors, and passengers to wear masks.

Sogavare announced that there is now community transmission in Honiara after one of the passengers returning from Malaita Outer Islands was tested positive for COVID-19.

In that regard, the PM has announced a raft of measures that must be implemented to control the spread of the virus.

On public transport, Sogavare urges buses and taxis not to overload.

He said most taxies to take maximum of three passengers only whilst buses ensure at least only two people per row.

“Bus driver, conductor, and passengers to wear masks. Put hand sanitizers in the buses for people to sanitize their hands,” said the prime minister.

Sogavare also stated that mass gathering including sports will be temporarily suspended, until “we can quantify the level of community transmission.”

He said shipping services to provinces is suspended – until further notice.

“Ships from provinces to Honiara can still return except if there is a lockdown for Honiara. However, people from provinces are discouraged to travel to Honiara at this point,” Sogavare said.

Besides that, he said, all domestic flights to provinces are temporarily suspended – until further notice.