Coronavirus

Michael Kabuni, who is a Teaching Fellow in Political Science at the University of PNG, says Section 226 of PNG’s Constitution lists an “outbreak of pestilence or infectious disease” as grounds for declaring a national emergency.

He made this statement following the Court’s dismissal of proceedings taken against him, by Leader of the Opposition, Belden Namah.

Services to the people of this country should not be hampered by mere politics and ego.

Prime Minister Marape once again made this call following the March 27^th dismissal of the Opposition Leader’s application against him, which questioned the legality of the processes used to appoint him as Prime Minister.

“Government has once again been affirmed by our judiciary, and we are here to do business,” stated the PM.

SOE regulations

Under the Regulations, the Emergency Controller has the powers to, amongst others;

NCD metropolitan superintendent, Perou N’Dranou, said it is mostly the unemployed ones who are flaunting the state of emergency orders from the National Government.

The declaration of a state of emergency is to ensure the citizens of this country are protected from the coronavirus disease, or COVID-19.

When do you use a mask? According to the World Health Organisation, healthy people should wear a mask only if they are taking care of a person with suspected COVID-19 infection. Or you should wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.

“Masks must be used in combination with frequent hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub.”

This is to comply with the requirement of the national constitution, where Parliament is convened immediately, or at any time before the expiry of the national emergency.

The special sitting on April 2^nd is to fulfill the above requirement as well as allow for Parliament to:

This follows the circulation of conspiracy theories on social media, misleading people that apart from their pigment, PNG’s hot climate is not conducive for the coronavirus.

“If we look at countries like Indonesia, Singapore, Fiji, Malaysia. These countries have the same temperature and climate as us, and they already have infections there.

“Even countries in Africa like Mali, Senegal, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria. They are beginning to go to a lock down,” stated Parkop.

“They already have infections in these countries.”

The plan is in line with the National Government’s commitment to make sure that the country contains the spread of the deadly COVID-19.

Governor Powes Parkop says the city must be prepared.

“It is very important that we must understand that there is a high price to pay if we fail to prepare. To be prepared for an emergency, we must plan as follows, plan on their reduction of the risk, we must be in a state of readiness and we must respond and have a plan to recover,” Parkop stated.

This was announced by Police Minister, Bryan Kramer, today.

The Tests were conducted by the Institute of Medical Research in Goroka and returned today.

“Those tests have returned negative. So, the 15 persons that were in direct contact with the index patient that travelled with him from Bulolo up to the (Hidden Valley) mine site, the tests have returned this morning and confirmed to be all negative. Not immediate, not positive, but negative.

This was supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership in an emergency meeting in Port Moresby this week.

At the meeting, Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS, Jelta Wong, said churches are a key partner to the Government, with their extensive networks, and were trusted local leaders that would be called upon to support efforts to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.