MEDIA RELEASE: Schools to ease restrictions in Solomon Islands after COVID-19 Outbreak

Students in the Solomon Islands have returned to school after months of disruptions caused by COVID-19 outbreaks and lockdowns.

Despite being COVID-free for much of 2020 and 2021, the Solomon Islands has experienced widespread transmission since January this year, with more than 21,000 cases recorded.

With the support of Caritas Australia Solomon Islands (CASI), schools across the Pacific Island nation have been able to begin reopening thanks to School Care Kits and Face Mask Production Kits provided by CASI. As the support program continues more schools will be able to safely reopen and more students will be able to return to their normal studies.

Schools were also provided with Face Mask Production Kits containing sewing machines and cloth materials, so that students and staff can produce their own face masks.

Sr Maria Fe Rollo, principal of San Isidro Care Center (a Rural Training Centre) in the Solomon Islands said:

“We received the necessary personal protective equipment for the safety of our staff and students to help make us ready for cases of COVID-19 in the school. It was also immensely helpful that a nurse demonstrated the step- by- step use and disposal of the personal protective equipment”.

“It was also important that the right information brochures and poster were given and also face mask, hand sanitiser, temperature gun, soap and spray to ensure day to day health and safety of everyone.” 

So far, 39 schools have received School Care Kits and Face Mask Production Kits across the provinces of Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira as well as the capital city of Honiaria.

Media contacts: Jessica Stone 0490 684 867 / Jessica.stone@caritas.org.au

Tom Svich 0407 916 787 / Tom.svich@caritas.org.au