The Papua New Guinea town of Lae has been placed in lockdown, Port Moresby’s main hospital has restricted services and Bougainville has issued a ‘new normal’ edict as the country wrestles with Covid-19.
Lae town, in Morobe Province has been placed in lockdown until Friday next week.
This follows a spike in numbers in Lae, Huon Gulf and Nawaeb Districts.
The Morobe Provincial Emergency Operations Committee issued an edict saying a ‘No mask No Entry’ rule would apply to all government offices and businesses.
Bars, social clubs and gambling houses are closed until 19 March.
Hotels, motels and guest houses must comply with the various directives.
Shops and traditional markets can open but customers must wear masks, wash hands and sanitise before entering.
Sports events and large gathering cannot go ahead, but church services can, if congregation size is limited to 50 people.
The committee directive said a failure to comply would result in penalties under the National Pandemic Act.
PNG’s main hospital restricts services
Port Moresby’s main hospital is being forced to restrict its services as the capital is also confronted by more Covid-19 cases.
Covid-19 infections have soared – in the past five weeks there have been about 800 cases, with Port Moresby the worst hit.
SOURCE – RADIO NZ
