Coronavirus

The SOE Controller says more of our domestic ports should be opening up by this week, but under strict guidelines.

When giving his update, state of emergency controller, David Manning, said while more domestic ports will open, the Joint Agency Task Force will continue to be the only committee to give authorisation for flight schedules.

“I’d like to take this time to remind our airlines to continue to observe the approval process and the observance to COVID-19 restrictions,” Manning said. “In particular to physical distancing, hand sanitisers and masks.”

He said Kavieng district was on high alert now that the disease has been detected in neighbouring East New Britain Province.

“The NIPHA has done a highly commendable job in ensuring district and community level awareness and advocacy training with the limited resources available to them,” the Treasurer said.

“I thank Dr Wangnapi, Dr Taulo, Provincial Administrator Lamilla Pawut, Kavieng District Administrator David Lens and the NIP COVID-19 team for delivering training to health workers in clinical management and prevention and control of COVID-19.

The directive was issued on MOnday 14th April.

However, he directed that Emergency Order 14 (seizure of aircraft, vehicle, vessels and perishable goods pursuant to the National Emergency) will continue.

Manning said whilst there is a need to restrict movement of people to stop the spread of coronavirus or COVID-19 there must be minimum disruption to the lives of the people.

She was relieved that the result was negative while a heavy burden was lifted off her shoulders when all her contacts were cleared of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“That was my biggest worry; sitting and waiting for my contacts’ results,” said the health volunteer and advocate.

“I was very much relieved and grateful to God that they hadn’t contracted it.

The deputy state of emergency controller says they were not surprised with this result as she was already on the road to recovery.

In this afternoon’s COVID-19 briefing, Dr Paison Dakulala said according to the process of the infection, the 40-year-old East New Britain woman was already improving when testing was conducted.

“That is an assurance and the person is well,” said Dr Dakulala. “And when we get the other test again, we will declare her as normal or no longer having the infection and that’s it, she’s part of anyone else, like you and me.”

In a statement, ANG says this is in support of the national government’s efforts to mitigate the risks of the spread of COVID-19.

Air Niugini confirmed that temperature checks are being carried out on all passengers prior to every flight and the airline was supplying all passengers with facemasks and hand sanitisers. Health information cards are also provided for passengers to fill in prior to taking a flight.

Districts and communities in East New Britain continue to turn up with truckloads of food in support of their sister villages who are in lockdown.

PNG’s first local COVID-19 case in East New Britain has brought its people together as the true Melanesian Way was demonstrated since the case was confirmed by Prime Minister James Marape on April 6^th.

The Ministry of Finance estimated a 25 percent shortfall in collections against projections for March, with worse likely to come.

"The number that I'm providing now is very rough," said Finance Secretary May Bing Thursday.

"But when we looked at our figures for FY2020, our collection in March is way below budgeted/expected figures and may continue the trend in coming months."

She estimated the March tax shortfall at 25 percent.

"We do anticipate a decrease in collection as activities within the private sector are clearly challenged," Ms Bing added.

The station began operation on Saturday 11^th April and will screen all commuters entering Tabubil.

The station was opened on Friday 10^th April by Western Province Deputy Provincial Administrator and Chairman of the province’s COVID-19 Taskforce, Michael Viru.

Also, in attendance was Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Silva Sika, and representatives from OTML, Tabubil Hospital and the community.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, people all over the world are forced to change the way they live. And PNG is no different.

The coronavirus disease has devastated most parts of the world, forcing changes to be made to the way a country is run, the way businesses operate or generally how we socialise.

In this afternoon’s COVID-19 update, the Deputy State of Emergency Controller, Dr Paison Dakulala, said provinces are stepping up in terms of rapid response team preparations, isolation and quarantine facilities, risk communication and social distancing.