Coronavirus

In a statement, the Chamber said: “As the industry representative, the Chamber is committed to the overall national response led by the PNG Government. The resource industry has taken decisive action to support national efforts to impede the rate of transmission and protect the welfare and safety of our people, while doing what they can to ensure business continuity. 

“Operators are working diligently to ensure the health and safety of our employees, minimise the spread of COVID-19 and keep their local communities informed and educated.”

Police Minister, Bryan Kramer, made the announcement this afternoon in an update to the current efforts undertaken by the Government.

Minister Kramer said tests are being done by the Rapid Response Team on suspected symptoms of COVID-19 in Port Moresby and other centres around the country.

Kramer said the Rapid Response Team that went up to Hidden Valley Mine in Morobe Province and have conducted sampling testing of the 15 people who came into contact with the first case of COVID-19, and were subsequently isolated and monitored.

ICCC Commissioner and CEO, Paulus Ain, said so far his officers have not seen instances of price inflations by shops owners.

However, they are calling on consumers to be vigilant and to report and send evidence of shops breaching the gazettal.

In a media conference today ICCC Commissioner and CEO, Paulus Ain, said his officers have already begun inspecting to ensure prices of basic goods and needs are not inflated as per the Government Gazettal.

Wong said this in response to allegations made by the Opposition Leader that the State of Emergency declared by the Government was illegal.

Minister Wong said everything is done legally adding the Opposition leader is trying to play politics at this time when they are all trying to save the nation.

“Price gouging will not be tolerated in this time of crisis,” he stated.

“The Marape-Steven government has gazetted powers to police to arrest shop owners breaching these guidelines. Police will also arrest people who are exploiting this situation by looting shops. We can deal with this crisis by working together.

“In times of emergency, some people can panic. Some shop owners can panic and lift prices to increase their cash flows in a time of great uncertainty. Some people claim anger at price increases as a reason to loot shops.

Health Minister, Jelta Wong, in an update this morning said every province will receive PPE’s.

“I just finished a meeting with the logistics team, with Air Niugini, and our Area Medical Stores, and we are going to make sure that every province makes sure they receive their PPE gear, as well as medicines that can be held in the area medical stores to combat COVID-19,” said Wong.

The PNG Government has received PPE donations from several development partners.

They comprise of Tokarara, Gordon’s, Gerehu Provincial Hospital, Nine-Mile, Six-Mile, Kaugere and Lawes Road clinic. Rita Flynn is being set up for quarantining, isolation and testing.

This means two clinics each for the three districts. Motu Koitabuans can access facilities that are close to their proximity.

In addition, two mobile test facilities will also complement this effort.