Covid-19 vaccinations

PM: Workplace Safety Is Paramount

Prime Minister James Marape said this in Parliament during Questions Without Notice when he was responding to Opposition Leader Belden Namah who asked what the Government’s position was on company-imposed COVID-19 vaccinations such as in mining companies and those observing strict health and safety standards.

“What is your government’s position on company compulsory vaccination? This is against the right to freedom,” the Opposition Leader said.

Doubts over vaccine usage

He said the vaccines must be made known to the people before giving them to use. 

He also reiterated that the PNG IMR should also give their assurance on the efficacy of vaccine. 

He said many senior medical workers in Madang have raised doubts over the usage of the vaccines but however, he said he will not force people to take the vaccines.

"Vaccines are normally developed in two years or so but this one is developed very fast which raises doubts among the people."

Vaccination programme rolls out in the French territories

The Pfizer vaccine programme began on 20 January and requires two doses with a 21 day interval between jabs.

The programme is funded by Paris and is free but not compulsory.

And French Polynesian health authorities have given the first of a two dose Covid-19 vaccine to 1526 of its most at-risk people.

The vaccination campaign began on 18 January with Phase One focusing on health workers and those over 75 on Tahiti and Mo'orea.

Hospital staff on Ra'iatea and Nuku Hiva are also being inoculated.

They will receive their second jab in February.

Covid-19 vaccination will be required to fly, says Qantas chief

The Australian flag carrier's boss, Alan Joyce, said the move would be "a necessity" when vaccines are available.

"I think that's going to be a common thing talking to my colleagues in other airlines around the globe," he said.

Australia shut down its international borders early in the pandemic and required those returning to quarantine.

The country has more recently relied on lockdowns, widespread testing and aggressive contact tracing to push daily infections nationwide close to zero.