RSIPF prepares officers for any coronavirus outbreak

As part of its support for the government agencies leading the fight against a potential coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the country, officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Rove Police Headquarters and a health worker in Honiara are travelling to the provinces to conduct awareness talks to police officers starting today (24 March 2020).

Following the presentations the Provincial officers will then share this information with communities to assist the Ministry of Health in raising awareness about prevention and hygiene.

Inspector Ileen Ukebule from RSIPF Human Resources says, “As part of the preparation and support should there be any outbreak of the COVID-19 our officers must prepare by knowing how to protect themselves.”

Inspector Ukebule explains: “As part of the preparations we are sending teams to the various provincial centres to conduct awareness talks to officers. Today officers travelled by helicopter to Auki in Malaita Province and Tulagi in the Central Province. The talks focused on maintaining a high level of personal hygiene.”

“The easiest and best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is by keeping your own hands clean and cleaning surfaces that you come into contact with such as door handles. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. This will kill any viruses that may be on your hands.”

“Maintaining social distancing is also very important. Maintain at least 1 – 2 metres distance between yourself and others especially if someone is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth, which may contain a virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease,” Mrs Ukebule explains.

She told the officers who attended the awareness meetings today: “Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is not required when patrolling a public place. The best way to protect yourself from illness is to practise regular hand washing. If you cannot wash your hands use a hand sanitiser. Do not touch your face. Regular hand hygiene prevents more illness than masks. Do not shake hands – if you do not need to touch someone then do not touch them. If you have to arrest a person, treat them as though they are infectious.”