Solomons Parliament extends State of Public Emergency

9:02 am on 8 April 2020

The Solomon Islands parliament has extended the country's state of public emergency until July.

In a special emergency meeting of parliament, MPs spent two days debating the motion for the continuation of the State of Emergency moved by prime minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Contributions from both sides of the house saw praise for the government's swift action to invoke emergency powers to prevent Covid-19 reaching the nation.

Concerns were also heard about having checks and balances for the powers available to the prime minister under the State of Public Emergency.

Solomon Islands parliament

Solomon Islands parliament Photo: RNZ/ Koroi Hawkins

Solomon Islands still has no confirmed cases of Covid-19.

11 tests have been conducted and all have returned negative results.

After passing the motion, parliament was adjourned to 27 July.