Solomon Islands records 1st case, loses Covid-free status

Solomon Islands recorded its first case of coronavirus on October 3 after a student who was repatriated from the Philippines tested positive upon arrival.

The student had previously undergone three negative tests in Manila before boarding the flight home and was quarantined there.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare expressed disappointment over losing the country's COVID-free status despite efforts to prevent the virus from entering Solomon Islands.