Most COVID-19 travel restrictions have been removed but vaccination still remain a part of the the government policy. The Solomon Islands government is yet to review its vaccination policy and to make a decision on some of the issues regarding COVID-19. COVID-19 is no longer a health threat but treated as any other influenza like illnesses. Speaking on behalf of the Health Ministry to the press, Secretary to Prime Minister, Dr. Jimmie Rodgers said for international traveling, unvaccinated Solomon Island citizens are allowed to enter the country but foreigners must be fully vaccinated before entering the country. He said following the State of Public Health Emergency, the government implemented a COVID-19 policy which is yet to be reviewed.
The Ministry of Health in a written response says in terms of priorities, COVID-19 operations have ceased and only testing for surveillance purposes is continuing for patients presenting with flu like illnesses to clinics. “Much of the focus now is on strengthening health systems to better respond to the health needs of our people and to better prepare for similar disease outbreaks such as COVID-19 in the future. This is implemented as per our National Health Strategic Plan 2022 -2031′.
