Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

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.

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.

“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.

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.

Manning commended Acting Deputy Commissioner Operations, Donald Yamasombi, and other police personnel who acted swiftly to send back the 13 passengers from Daru, Western Province.

The passengers, all PNG nationals, had recently returned from Singapore and were subjected to the required 14-day quarantine period which was to end on Friday, 27 March.

Manning said: “The standard requirement for all passengers travelling into the country regardless of the nationalities must go through the 14-day quarantine process and protocols before going back to society.