RSIPF prepares officers for any coronavirus outbreak

As part of its support for the government agencies leading the fight against a coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the country, officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Rove Police Headquarters and a health worker in Honiara are travelling to the provinces to conduct awareness talks to police officers starting 24 March 2020.

Inspector Ileen Ukebule from RSIPF Human Resources says, “As part of the preparation and support should there any outbreak of the COVID-19 our officers must prepare themselves first by knowing all possible information about the virus.”

Inspector Ukebule explains: “As part of the preparations we are sending teams to the various provincial centres to conduct awareness talks to officers. Today officers travelled by helicopter to Auki in Malaita Province and Tulagi in the Central Province. The talks mainly focused on maintaining a high level of personal hygiene.”

“The easiest way to avoid COVID-19 is by keeping your own hands clean. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with an alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water. This will kill any viruses that may be on your hands.”

“Maintaining social distancing is very important. Maintain at least 1 – 2 metres distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth, which may contain a virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease,” Mrs Ukebule explains.

She told the officers who attended the awareness meetings today: “Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is not required when patrolling a public place. The best way to protect yourself from illness is to practise regular hand washing. If you cannot wash your hands use a hand sanitiser. Do not touch your face. Regular hand hygiene prevents more illness than masks. Do not shake hands – if you do not need to touch someone then do not touch them. If you have to arrest a person, treat them as though they are infectious.”

Officers of the RSIPF and a health worker will travel to other provincial centers this week disseminating the same information as Solomon Islands continues to prevent any outbreak of the coronavirus.