14 May 2020

Solomons looks to limited border reopening

7:13 am on 14 May 2020

The Solomon Islands government is considering reopening its borders next week (18 May 2020).

Prime minister Manasseh Sogavare said it would be conditional on the country's Covid-19 testing facilities being at full capacity.

Mr Sogavare said health authorities have indicated this should be achieved by Friday, with a strictly managed border reopening to follow.

Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare

Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare Photo: SIG News Service

"Considerations are underway to see if we can bring in the first passenger flight on the week starting 18th May," Manasseh Sogavare said.

He said passenger or repatriation flights will also depend on the availability of mandatory quarantine facilities.

Meanwhile, casinos, kava bars and pubs in the capital, Honiara, have been allowed to reopen, but nightclubs are still closed.