Solomon Islands: Officials have eased COVID-19 measures in some locations as of March 15 /update 3

Event

Solomon Islands officials have eased some restrictions as of March 15, despite ongoing COVID-19 activity. Authorities have lifted a ban on travel between Honiara and other areas of the country. The government has also permitted domestic flights to resume. Interprovincial travelers must be fully vaccinated with a vaccination card and undergo a rapid antigen test (RAT) within 24 hours of departure for flights or on-arrival if flying into Honiara International Airport (HIR). Maritime arrivals to Honiara can undergo on-arrival testing but must wait at the port of arrival before entering the city.

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 and facemasks in public places. However, official statements indicate that enforcement is uneven to lax in many areas. Vaccination is also mandatory to use most public transport.

In Honiara, the government has ended movement restrictions to other areas of Guadalcanal and lifted a curfew. It is unclear which additional measures are in effect, but authorities previously banned gatherings of more than ten people and closed entertainment businesses and hospitality premises except for casinos, restaurants, and bars in hotels serving occupants. Retail can operate at 25-percent capacity, but owners, employees, and patrons must be fully vaccinated.

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. Tighter measures are ongoing in Western Province, where officials are maintaining curfews in hotspot areas and prohibiting interisland passenger travel. Supply chain disruptions and good shortages remain 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.