David Manning

This means a person whose initial test result shows the presence of an infection, can later get a negative result after a period of time.

The State of Emergency controller, David Manning, emphasised that those who have COVID-19 are most likely to recover. His statement supports that of the Deputy SOE Controller, Dr Paison Dakulala, who recently said 80 percent of those infected will be cured.

The person has since been isolated and quarantined. Contact tracing has begun, including places visited and persons contacted.

“The person is well at this moment. But as a best practice health and safety response, we have locked down the Joint Agency Task Force National Operations Centre to carry out testing of all our staff,” Manning said in a statement released just now.

“I call upon the people of NCD, Central and PNG to remain calm. We have identified a positive case. All measures are now being taken to trace all persons who have come into contact with this person.

Manning said whilst measures are in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, consideration is also being given to citizens who wish to travel by air.

Under this emergency direction, valid reasons for air travel include:

He made the announcement yesterday at the National Operations Centre at the Morauta Haus. This emergency order will be implemented immediately.

Manning said ‘designated goods’ such as betelnut, wild betelnut and any other perishable items, may be seized and destroyed during routine roadblocks or searches of vehicles by authorised officers.

The direction came after the Labour Department received reports that a number of establishments laid off workers against an understanding of the Tripartite Working Committee Agreement made last week.

Manning urged employers to show some understanding in this difficult situation and allow the government to discuss and see how best to address the issue of businesses and employment and the welfare of citizens.

“The police force will be at the forefront to combat this disease together with the Department of Health and other line responsible agencies so we have to be prepared,” Commissioner Manning said, adding that he is sending out circular instructions to all commanders to initiate their own local business continuity plans in anticipation of the pandemic reaching PNG.

“First and foremost is the education of my members on the disease, its symptoms, ways in which the disease can be contained or prevented from spreading and how my members will be able to protect themselves.

The three-day workshop is being attended by Provincial Police Commanders from Hela, Southern Highlands, Enga, Western Highlands, Madang, West New Britain Province, Milne Bay, Oro and the two Metropolitan Commanders for Lae and NCD. Also present are headquarters based directors as well.

Manning said each of these provinces had, over the years, had serious law and order challenges resulting in a number of special police operations being mounted for various periods of time.

Commissioner Manning said this following the National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop’s statement that some of the firearms and ammunitions used by criminals were from the police armoury.

“Police firearms are safe and secure. We have stringent security measures in place and up to date records of all firearms issued to our members. Losing a firearm by police officers is a dismissible offence,” responded Manning.

The report by the Australian Financial Review (AFR) questioned the role of Commerce and Industry Minister, William Duma, when he was the Petroleum Minister in the Somare Government and private lawyer Simon Ketan.

In a statement issued on Friday, Police Commissioner David Manning, says they are closely following developments following the publication of the Australian Financial Review report over a week ago.

Commissioner Manning made this comment following the ongoing use of firearms in tribal fights in various parts of PNG and in many of the serious crimes committed to date.

“About 80 percent of the serious crimes in PNG, including murder and armed robbery, are committed with some form of firearm, whether home or factory made. Firearms were used in the recent killing of policemen in Enga, Hela, Milne Bay and quite recently in Porgera,” he stated.