Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Prime Minister James Marape made this undertaking this afternoon in a press conference.

“All employers, including public services, should scale down workers in this period to ensure safe work place from the spread of coronavirus.

“PNGDF is on standby for call out to assist Police in this SOE period and beyond.”

Marape also warned that those people spreading false rumours and organising public gatherings will be charged appropriately.

“Large gatherings of more than 100 people will not be entertained,” reiterated the PM.

He said the patient flew out in good health and good condition.

“Because it was only one case does not give us any reason to be complacent but taking every step necessary to do a retro check on every footprints and contacts he had made to ensure those in contact get tested as well,” the PM said in a media briefing this afternoon.

President, Pastor Kepsie Elodo, today (March 23) said following the Government’s announcement of a state-of-emergency, the church head office in Lae and its local mission and conference offices across the country will close tomorrow, March 24^th, and reopen on April 14^th.

Pr Elodo said all church-operated schools, including the Sonoma Adventist College, will also be shut. All church-run health facilities will, however, remain open.   

Prime Minister James Marape did not mince words during his press conference at the Morauta Haus on Sunday, the 22^nd of March.

After announcing the nationwide 14-day state of emergency, Marape urged Papua New Guineans to be responsible for their own health and hygiene.

“We will continue discussing with the World Bank about accessing more of its US$12 billion assistance package. Discussions with the International Monetary Fund are proceeding about accessing US$182m of additional budget support for this year for the coronavirus economic impacts,” he stated.

The funding support will boost the PNG Government’s existing commitment of K45million for COVID-19 response.

“The health and safety of all Papua New Guineans is our number one priority. Australia has been an important supporter in helping Papua New Guinea respond to health emergencies,” said  Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS, Jelta Wong.

“This support will help to ensure Papua New Guinea’s health system is better prepared to fight coronavirus and protect the community.

In a press conference today at the Morauta Haus, Prime Minister Marape said the Police Commissioner will take charge assisted by the PNG Defence Force.

Starting on Tuesday, the 24^th of March, all domestic flights will be stopped for the next 14 days, including the movement of PMVs from one province to the next.

Only approved cargo and medicine, and police and military personnel will be moving. Additionally, the seven day ban on international flights started today.

Working in line with the Health Department, as the lead agency, is St John Ambulance, who are doing their utmost best to raise awareness as well as prepare their response team.

During a recent press conference at the NCD City Hall with Governor Powes Parkop, one important partner present was the St. John Ambulance CEO, Matt Cannon. He explained the role of St. John and how it was contributing to the COVID-19 response.

He has urged citizens to forget their differences and work together to keep the country safe.

“Whether it’s a church difference or political difference or tribal difference or business difference, we live in one country, one border,” stated the PM.

“The protection of our border is very important and that’s what we’re all about; to ensure that our country is safe from coronavirus.”

Prime Minister James Marape says PNG is blessed with abundant food supplies, urging everyone to ‘eat a lot of garden food’.

Panic buying is now synonymous with the COVID-19 outbreak. However, Prime Minister Marape says there is no need for that in this country.

“Let me assure, we are on the lookout for this one (case) so the country mustn’t be panicking,” he stated in a press briefing yesterday (March 20).

“We are fortunate to still be a country of food where we pick a lot from our garden produce. Eat organic food, eat garden food and drink a lot of water.