Unvaccinated population most at risk of Covid

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has warned that the country’s huge unvaccinated population is most at risk of catching covid-19 now that community transmission has hit the capital and Ontong Java this week.

Since vaccination was rolled out in the last 18 months, only 20% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated. Most of the people in Honiara have decided not to take their vaccination despite continued request by authorities.

“All of you that have not been vaccinated are now the most vulnerable to contract COVID-19. Please be very careful and observe COVID-19 safe practices,” Sogavare warned yesterday when announcing the first case of community transmission from a passenger arriving from Ontong Java on 10 January.

Prime Minister Sogavare renewed his call for all adults in Honiara and all children between 12 years old and 18 years old to get their vaccines as soon as possible, warning that any delay will be catastrophic to their own lives.

The Ministry of Health will soon advise on locations for vaccination in addition to the current SIPA location in Honiara.

“Be prepared to see many people getting sick, some getting very sick and may even lose their lives,” Sogavare warned.

Health workers are actively undertaking contact tracing among the suspected population in the capital and urged people to observe the current lockdown and practice safe covid-29 measures at home or wherever they may be.

-GCU