Solomon Islands: Officials to impose COVID-19 lockdown measures in Shortland Islands Feb. 24-28 /update 2

Event

Local authorities in the Solomon Islands will impose lockdown measures in Shortland Islands, including Samanago Village, Feb. 24-28 due to COVID-19 activity. Residents are advised to limit their movement between villages and communities and comply with COVID-19 health protocols. Authorities typically prevent travel to and from areas under lockdown orders. Officials may extend lockdown measures if new COVID-19 cases emerge.

Additionally, the government will arrange a ferry service to Western Province for individuals stranded in Honiara Feb. 28. The ferry will stop at Gizo, Noro, and Seghe ports. Travelers must have at least two COVID-19 vaccine doses and a certified vaccination card.

Domestic Measures

The government requires people nationwide to follow social distancing measures. Officials require at least two meters (6.5 feet) of physical distance in public; however, enforcement is likely lax. A facemask requirement is also in place, but specific rules may vary by location.

Tight rules are active in the Honiara Emergency Zone, a designated area from Poha to Alligator Creek. Authorities are enforcing a shortened nightly 00:00-06:00 curfew, though exceptions are possible for essential reasons. Gatherings of more than ten people are banned. Facemasks are compulsory in public settings. Almost all entertainment businesses and hospitality premises except for casinos and restaurants are closed; bars in hotels may open for occupants. Retail can operate at 25-percent capacity, but owners, employees, and patrons must be fully vaccinated. Vaccination is also mandatory to use most public transport; officials have also reduced the capacity for taxis and buses in Honiara.

The government has empowered provincial governments to address COVID-19 outbreaks as they occur, and local officials could order lockdowns or other restrictions at short notice. Authorities typically prevent travel to and from areas under lockdown orders; similar transport restrictions continue to the Honiara Emergency Zone until further notice. The central government has suspended all vessel movement between the capital and provinces except for those carrying essential supplies. Additionally, provincial officials have halted inbound vessels in some cases. Domestic flights remain suspended nationwide. Authorities are likely to permit some air and maritime cargo shipments, but shipping delays are highly likely to continue. Supply chain disruptions and good shortages are possible, especially in outlying islands.

International Travel Restrictions
Most international commercial flights remain banned through July 2. Solomon Airlines (IE) operates a weekly service to Brisbane, Australia. Repatriation flights are possible. Fully vaccinated citizens and foreign nationals can enter the country, though foreigners must obtain permission from the prime minister's office. Entrants must complete a Pre-Departure Questionnaire and Instructions on Conduct at least five days before departure flights. Officials also require a Pre-Departure Checklist submitted one day before departure. Permitted travelers must take COVID-19 PCR tests 9-11 days and within 72 hours before departure. Officials also require inbound passengers to receive a negative rapid antigen test result on the day of departure.

Travelers must quarantine between seven and 14 days at designated sites upon arrival at their own expense; the duration of quarantine depends on official risk assessments. People traveling with unvaccinated children must quarantine for 21 days.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm business appointments, deliveries, work, and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Ensure access to essential items and plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.