Coronavirus

IOC respond to Turkish criticism

Just three days of action were possible at the Copper Box Arena before the competition was brought to a premature halt on March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Turkish Boxing Federation accused the IOC Boxing Task Force of being irresponsible for allowing the European qualifier to go ahead in the circumstances, with reports saying two of their fighters and a coach have tested positive.

While expressing sympathy for those who have been taken ill, the task force feels there is nothing to suggest they were infected during the competition.

Negative results for COVID-19

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.

Covid-19: Air New Zealand cuts its Pacific services

From the end of March until the 31st of May the airline will only fly to three countries from Auckland, once a week.

In a statement, Air New Zealand said there will be one return service to Nadi, one return service to Rarotonga, and one return service to Niue.

Routes to Tonga and Samoa have been suspended.

Norfolk Island will have two services a week, one from Brisbane and one from Sydney.

     

No confirmed cases: COVID-19 update

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 begin price hike inspection

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.

India enters 'total lockdown' after spike in coronavirus cases

The restrictions came into force at midnight local time (18:30 GMT) and will be enforced for 21 days.

"There will be a total ban on venturing out of your homes," Mr Modi said in a televised address.

He appealed for people not to panic - but crowds quickly mobbed stores in the capital, Delhi, and other cities.

Correspondents say it is not clear how - or even if - people will now be allowed out to buy food and other essentials.

Namah urged to stop grandstanding

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.

Protective Equipment to be delivered

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.

OTML COVID-19 Test Results Negative

The Company also said test results have yet to be received for two subsequent cases that reported to the Tabubil Hospital with flu-like symptoms.

OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Peter Graham said: “We are pleased that people have come forward for testing and we will continue to work closely with the IMR to ensure a quick turnaround of results.”

“The safety and wellbeing of our employees, contractors and our communities is paramount, and we are doing all we can to ensure they are all remain safe and healthy,” he said.

Warriors to stay in Australia

The club's chief executive Cameron George announced this morning that captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and his team have reaffirmed their commitment to stay in Australia and continue in the 2020 competition in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Warriors players met last night and voted to remain.

The team has spent this week in camp in Kingscliff in northern New South Wales ahead of their second-round game against the Canberra Raiders on the Gold Coast tomorrow night.