SYDNEY, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Solomon Islands authorities started to enforce the scheduled lockdown around the capital city Honiara area from Wednesday morning, local newspaper Solomon Star reported.
Assistant Commissioner Simpson Pogeava, also the lockdown operation commander, said the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) would be around to set up checkpoints on streets and also assist citizens to return home.
"We want to make sure that people are able to complete their activities in good time and are safely home at their residences before the 6:00 p.m. deadline this evening," Pogeava said.
"During the 36-hour lockdown, no one will be allowed to leave their residence. All businesses will be closed during that period. No vessels will be allowed to leave or arrive at the Honiara port after 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday until after 6:00 a.m. on Friday."
According to the report, only essential and emergency workers were allowed to continue their normal work routine during the lockdown period.
Pogeava also warned that anyone who breached the lockdown order could face consequences. Enditem
