Prime Minister Hon. James Marape admitted this Thursday that there is “rampant community transmission” of COVID-19 in the country as the highest number of 560 recorded cases over the last 24 hours was recorded. This brings to 4660 the number of confirmed cases in the 21 provinces of country and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville since March 2020, with 39 deaths. Today is the 282nd day of the Niupela Pasin (New Normal) in PNG. PM Marape announced this at a press conference flanked by Pandemic Controller David Manning, Health Secretary Dr Osborne Liko, and Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee (MESAC) Deputy Chairman Prof. Isi Kevau and member Prof. John Vincent. Prof Kevau is Professor of Medicine at University of PNG’s School and Medicine and Health Sciences while Prof. Vincent is Deputy Dean of the school. “The last 24 hours was possibly the highest to date – 560 cases,” PM Marape said. “In our country today, there are 4660 cases confirmed – this is from those that were brought in for sampling and testing. “From those known deaths, 39 deaths have taken place because of COVID.” PM Marape appealed to rumour-mongers to stop what they were doing on social media and other platforms. “James Marape is not playing politics when I talk about COVID-19, I did not manufacture COVID-19 in a lab somewhere, I did not import COVID-19 into this country,” he said. “Just like viruses that transfer from person to person, from human to human, COVID-19 has arrived in our country despite us doing our best to keep our borders safe. “It is in our country now.” PM Marape said the Government was not stifling economic activities and the public service because of COVID-19. “We’re trying to maintain a fine balance between keeping our economy running and functioning, keeping our public service there for our people, but at the same time stopping unnecessary movements of people who have no reason to move around from place to place,” he said. “At the same time, through collaboration with our own MESAC and Health Department as well as World Health Organisation and our established global partners on what are the options available, we will make vaccines available.” Meanwhile, PM Marape said the vaccination programme using the 8000 AstraZeneca vaccines donated by Australia, was expected to start next week.

Jubilee Catholic Secondary School in the Nation’s Capital is utilizing WhatsApp to keep students up to date with lessons which would otherwise be missed out on in light of the current nationwide isolation. School Principal Mrs Barbara Miles says as a lockdown of some sort was inevitable with the rising trend of COVID-19 infection in Port Moresby, she had instructed her teaching staff to have lessons planned out ahead of the isolation notice being issued. “The approach we’ve taken is that we’ve actually given work for the duration for the period of the national isolation." “I prepared my teachers well in advance and so when the announcement came for the suspension of classes for 3 weeks plus the holiday week." "My teachers had already set work and they were ready to give them out on Friday when we closed up school.” “When I made them aware of preparing work, I also instructed teachers to collect contact details form students so that dissemination would be through WhatsApp groups created by the pastoral teachers.” Mrs Miles further added that this has been the approach taken also as a means of cutting down on photocopying costs. Mrs Miles encouraged her students to attend to their lessons to ensure a smooth transition when classes resume for term 2.

Curfews have not been imposed under new measures issued on 18 March by the Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response Mr David Manning. All members of the public are urged to not accept and disseminate information that has not been sanctioned and approved by the Controller. All and any release of information from the National Control Centre will only be from the Media and Public Information Cluster of the NCC. Members of the public are also advised that police are not and will not be charging any fees for any services rendered under the pandemic. It has been brought to the attention of the Controller that messages have been circulated in the social media that police are charging K100 fees to process travel approvals. Mr Manning said this is totally false and is now being investigated. The person or persons who sent out this message will be dealt with under our Cyber Crime Laws. Meanwhile all residents and citizens are reminded that they are expected to comply with the new measures which became effective on Monday 22 March. Thirteen measures have been issued since March 18. Under measure 9 – business and social - which covers all businesses, social venues, markets, shopping centres, schools, educational institution and places of worship: · An immediate ban is placed on gatherings of over 10 people; · Venues or parts of venues that provide night club or pub and gambling activities shall close beginning Wednesday March 24 and are to remain shut for the duration of the pandemic; · Venues that sell alcohol or supply take-away alcohol or alcohol for consumption without food are to also close beginning Wednesday March 24 and are to remain shut for the duration of the pandemic; · Venues or parts of venues that operate as restaurant or food consumption on premises may operate subject to all persons on entry and exit from venues must wash their hands with soap or hand sanitiser and follow all other hygiene standards as issued by the Controller; · Operating hours for retail outlets are from 7am to 8pm; · Restaurant shall operate from 7am to 10pm; · Service stations may only operate from 7am to 10pm; · No club, recreational or professional sporting matches shall be allowed to play, except for recreation sporting games of no more than 4 persons; · All schools, educational institutions, markets and shopping centres must comply with social distancing requirement and safe and hygienic practices as issued by the controller including social distancing of at least 1.5 metres between each person and all persons on entry and exit must wash their hands with soap or hand sanitizer; · Religious activities may continue to operate but congregation size of any religious activity to be at a maximum of 50, social distancing of at least 1.5 metres between each person, all persons on entry and exit into the place of worship must wash their hands with soap or hand sanitiser and follow all other hygiene standards as issued by the Controller; · The Council of Churches in consultation with the Department of Health and all faith groups in PNG, shall prepare Standard Operating Procedures for all religious activities and gathering; · Funerals and “haus krais” shall be limited to only 50 persons; · The respective provincial Chamber of Commerce (Provincial Business Peak Body) shall ensure that businesses develop COVID-19 continuity Plans for operation in each province; · All restaurants in every province shall submit to their respective provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry information such as physical size of restaurant seating area and COVID-19 safe seating plans in accordance with the “Niupla Pasin”; · Respective provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry shall submit the above information provided to them to the National Control Centre for NCD or the relevant Provincial Control Centre and a person or organisation that fails to comply, may be directed to close by the Controller or the relevant provincial centre; · A person or organisation may apply in writing to the controller or relevant provincial administrator for an exemption for a gathering of over 10 persons; · A request for an exemption must include steps taken to ensure compliance with “Niupla Pasin” and to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 at the gathering; · Non-compliance with some of these measures is unlawful and may be penalised under the Act or other applicable laws; · Non-compliance with these measures should be reported to an authorised officer or the Provincial Police Commander; and · Any Authorised Officer(s) appointed by the Controller pursuant to the Act, shall carry out and enforce the measures accordingly. These measures come into effect on 22 and 24 March 2021, and shall apply until the end of the declaration of the pandemic under the Act, or as varied or revoked by the Controller.

Police Commissioner and Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response David Manning has issued a direction banning all traditional border crossings with immediate effect on Wednesday March 24 as the country’s COVID-19 confirmed cases went over 4,000. Under the new direction issued by Mr Manning: · The land and sea borders between Papua New Guinea and Australia, Indonesia and Solomon Islands are to remain closed; · All cross-border travel between Western Province and Torres Strait, including traditional Treaty Village travel, accept as authorized in writing by the Controller is banned; and · PNG Treaty Villages shall seek medical treatment at Mabaduan clinic or Daru General Hospital. Mr Manning further directed that the borders will remain closed for an indefinite period and cross-border travel will not be allowed until further notice. He said COVID-19 virus transmission within our community is alarming and it is important that the PNG Government continues to take strong measures to protect the health of its people. (Direction attached.)

PAPUA New Guinea has reported a total of 351 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, raising the national total confirmed cases to 4,109. This is an increase of 1,021 cases over a period of six days. There were also two new deaths, raising the death toll to 39. Of the 351 new cases, 51 per cent were asymptomatic while 49 per cent were symptomatic. This means that many people do not know they have the virus and are passing it onto others unknowingly. The new cases came from 11 provinces namely: Western – 166; National Capital District – 84; Eastern Highlands – 39; Morobe – 20; Southern Highlands – 17; Western Highlands – 9; East Sepik – 6; New Ireland – 4; Jiwaka – 3; Gulf – 1; and Enga – 1. The cumulative figures for the 20 provinces that have reported confirmed cases so far are as follows: · NCD – 1766; · Western – 786; · West Sepik - 345; · Eastern Highlands – 201; · West New Britain – 196; · Morobe – 140; · East New Britain – 124; · Western Highlands – 109; · Autonomous Region of Bougainville – 59; · Madang – 59; · New Ireland – 55; · Enga – 50; · East Sepik – 41; · Central – 37; · Southern Highlands – 34; · Chimbu – 31; · Jiwaka – 23; · Hela – 19; · Milne Bay – 11; and · Gulf – 3. Of the two new deaths, one, a man aged 52 years-old came from Western Province which now has two confirmed deaths due to COVID-19. The other, a 44-year-old male, came from Jiwaka Province, and is the first death to be reported from Jiwaka. The symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever, headache, shortness of breath, sore throat, chills and muscle aches. Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response and Police Commissioner Mr David Manning said it is important that everyone having these symptoms go for a test. “Knowing your status helps you get the care you need and also it helps you protect anyone you come into contact with which could be close friends and relatives. I urge every educated Papua New Guinean to be good examples to the illiterate by going for a test when they develop the symptoms of COVID-19,” said Mr Manning. As of today, a total of 60,680 people in PNG had been tested for COVID-19. Of this, 4,109 tested positive. The samples pending results at the laboratory stand at 2,539. On Monday Prime Minister James Marape received 8,000 emergency vaccine doses, provided by the Australian Government. These will be prioritised to cater for PNG health and frontline workers. Mr Manning said, “Vaccines alone will not end the pandemic. We must continue to adhere to the health measures that we have been talking about for some time such as wearing masks, physical distancing, frequent hand-washing, avoiding crowds or limiting time spent in enclosed spaces. “Other factors are also very important such as eating healthy. Our health workers and experts in nutrition also encourage us to ensure we look after our bodies by eating food that will help us fight off diseases such as COVID-19. In rural and remote settings, vegetables, fruits and other fresh food are in abundance so I urge everyone to take time to ensure they eat healthy.” Mr Manning also thanked everyone involved in the response including prayer warriors. “These are people who are often forgotten but are very important. Thank you. Please continue to pray for us all. Together and with God’s help we will defeat this pandemic,” Mr Manning said. Mr Manning reminded residents and citizens of PNG that the pandemic is not over yet. On this day, the total confirmed cases globally is 124,269,741 with 2,734,723 deaths recorded. Of this, 435,697 were reported in the last 24 hours. There were also 6,155 new deaths in the 24 hours up to 12 midday on Tuesday 23 March.

PNG's Peniel Richard finished the indoor season on a high last weekend, setting a new national indoor record of 15.56m in the Triple Jump. Competing for West Texas A&M University at the NCAA Division 2 National Indoor Track and Field championships, Richard improved his previous best performance indoors of 15.31m in January this year. The result earned him third place in a very close competition where Richard went into the sixth and final round in the lead after posting a 15.49m effort in his fourth jump. However David Kizan from Lincoln Missouri with 15.61m and Abbott Dakota from Colorado (15.69m) both bettered this with their final jumps to set up a dramatic climax to the competition, and although Richard improved to 15.56 it wasn’t enough to snatch the title. Richard also holds the Triple Jump National record outdoors of 15.51m set at the Pacific Games in Apia last year.

Australia will send 8,000 doses of its COVID-19 vaccine supply to Papua New Guinea next week and is asking AstraZeneca and European authorities to divert another 1 million doses to the country. Health experts fear the real figure is much higher because of massive undetected community transmission. Travel restrictions between Australia and Papua New Guinea are being tightened, with a suspension of flights between Port Moresby and Cairns, and a ban on workers flying in and out of the country. "Starting at midnight tonight, we will further reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission from PNG to Australia by suspending passenger flights from Papua New Guinea into Cairns," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said at a press conference. The flight suspension will be in place for two weeks, when the situation will be reassessed, but freight will continue. There will be limited exemptions for medevac and other critical flights. Further Australian medical support will also be made available to PNG, including masks, gowns, gloves, ventilators and sanitiser. Mr Morrison said it was in Australia's interest to help PNG. "It is also true that the escalation of issues with the virus in PNG presents very real risks to Australia as well," he said, saying the risks were particularly high in Queensland and the Torres Strait. "With the support of the PNG government we're making a formal request to AstraZeneca and the European authorities to access 1 million doses of our contracted supplies of AstraZeneca not for Australia, but for PNG, a developing country in desperate need of these vaccines. "We've paid for them and we want to see those vaccines come here so we can support our nearest neighbour. "I think Australians understand that that is one of our responsibilities as an advanced nation. "We all know the Kokoda story. They were there for us. We will be there for them." Key points:-PNG has more than 1,400 confirmed cases of COVID-19, but the real number is likely to be much higher.-A travel ban has been put on those flying in and out of the country-Australia will send masks, gowns, gloves, ventilators and sanitiser to PNG-Australia's closest neighbour is in the grip of a worsening COVID-19 crisis, with more than 1,400 active cases. Source: ABC News

National Capital District has proposed measures for residents to strictly adhere to at a time Papua New Guinea is in the grip of a worsening COVID-19 crises with sharp increases in positive cases in the country. In his address to the residents of Port Moresby, NCD Governor Powes Parkop said all residents are to wear masks in public at all times, avoid large gatherings/meetings (minimum 20 persons and below) with social distancing, go for testing if you feel sick or stay home and self isolate. Governor Parkop called on residents to do all they can to ensure a lock down is not necessary. "We can avoid closure of schools, health services, markets buai ban, public transport and all other public amenities,"said Parkop. Governor Parkop said by Friday, all citizens in NCD must start to adhere strictly to the Niupla Pasin calling on residents to to cooperate with NCDC and the government to avoid a lock down at all costs. "Lock down suggestion is being held back so the public must be strict with the Niupla Pasin." Governor Parkop also said those having mild cases might have to stay home and self-isolate with non-clinical measures to treat themselves at home. Meanwhile, Australia will be beefing up medical support gifting PNG with essential PPE's including 1 million surgical masks, 200,000 masks, 100,000 gowns, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves, 100,000 bottles of sanitisers, 20,000 face shields and 200,000 non-invasive ventilators. Australian PM Scott Morrison announced this week his government will move immediately to gift PNG with 8,000 doses of their COVID-19 vaccine stocks to support the vaccination of frontline health workers in PNG from next week. PM Morrison said his government will pay for these vaccines to support PNG, their nearest neighbor.

Ila Alu has been named captain along with five (5) debutants for the SP PNG Hunters 2021 Intrust Super Cup round one season opener match against Wynnum Manly Seagulls in Brisbane this Saturday March 20. The five debutants are Jokadi Bire, Samuel Yegip, Edwin Ipape, Sylvester Namo and Benji Kot. The extended bench comprises of Jeffery Robert, Judah Rimbu, Solo Wane and Norman Brown. Keven Appo will be deputy to Alu. The 21 -man squad is:1. Terry WAPI2. Junior RAU3. Brendan NIMA4. Jokadi BIRE5. Brendon GOTUNO6. Watson BOAS7. Charlie SIMON8. Enock MAKI9. Wartovo PUARA Jnr10. Samuel YEGIP11. Epel KAPINIAS12. Keven APPO - Vice Captain13. Ila ALU - Captain14. Edwin IPAPE15. Sylvester NAMO16. Emmanuel WAINE17. Benji KOT18. Jeffery ROBERT19. Judah RIMBU20. Solo WANE21. Norman BROWNCoach: Matthew Church This is a ‘home’ game for the SP Hunters at Bycroft oval in Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast. The team will wear black armbands and observe a minutes silence to pay their respects to late Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare before kick- off at 2.40pm on Saturday. Television coverage on TV Wan plus starts at 2.30pm.

With the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases reported in Papua New Guinea, the peak bodies representing business, the private sector and development partners are calling on its members to take the lead in promoting, and implementing necessary COVID-19 prevention protocols. Papua New Guinea Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PNGCCI) and Business Council of PNG (BCPNG) are reminding businesses to implement the Niupela Pasin strategy at every workplace. The following measures under the Niupela Pasin, are aimed to protect employees, clients and the general public at all workplaces 1. If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work. Don’t socialise. 2. If you have fever, cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing, call the COVID-19 Hotline 1-800200. If you are told to self-isolate, you must do so immediately. 3. Maintain at least 1.5 meters between yourself, colleagues and clients. 4. Greet each other with a smile, a nod or a simple hello – no handshakes or fist bumps! 5. Clean and disinfect your workplace regularly – particularly door handles, phones, keyboards, elevator buttons, kitchens and bathrooms. 6. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer. 7. Sneeze and cough into your elbow, or use a tissue and dispose into bin immediately. 8. Reduce gathering in the offices. Limit large in-person meetings or hold meetings via phone or over the internet. 9. Wear a face mask or face covering in all public places to protect yourself and others. 10. If you’re concerned about your wellbeing or have underlying health conditions, work with your doctors to understand how best to stay healthy These are measures that are now a normal part of life. As the voice of business, the private sector and development partners, we remind all our members to ensure that all measures are taken to protect everyone from COVID-19. This is a shared responsibility, which we all must play our part in addressing. Given the recent spike in community transmission resulting in an increased positive COVID-19 cases being reported, and the continued constraints faced by our health facilities, it is important that we take the lead in promoting, and practicing COVID-19 prevention protocols. The PNGCCI and BCPNG acknowledge the efforts taken by Government to contain the spread of COVID-19, and we stand ready to assist where we can as partners in this challenge.

The Chief Migration Officer Stanis Hulahau has brushed aside rumours on social media that refugees, and non-refugees living in Port Moresby are spreading coronavirus in the country. “Coronavirus does not discriminate, and people must understand that the virus is not spread by refugees or non-refugees." Mr Hulahau is concerned about misinformation posted on Facebook recently claiming that refugees and non-refugees residing in Port Moresby are spreading the virus. “The baseless assumptions by an individual is disrespectful to our people and our efforts to provide a safe and healthy environment to people that owe protection." There are 90 refugees and 40 non-refugees under the Regional Resettlement Arrangement (RRA) currently residing in Port Moresby. With a spike in Covid-19 cases in Port Moresby this month, the Australian Government has arranged a private hospital to carry out testing on all 130 men of which 58 tests were done last week. “The Covid-19 test on refugees and non-refugees does not indicate that they are the main transmitters. However, it teaches us a lesson to get tested and protect our loved-ones from the virus." He added that if the test results returned positive, the person of interest would be relocated to a separate accommodation site for isolation and recovery. Mr Hulahau further explained that non-refugees with negative status are held under immigration's supervision while refugees are being managed by an external contractor whilst awaiting resettlement. He added that non-refugees are not held at Bomana Immigration Centre (BIC) because of an external arrangement under the US Resettlement pathway and agreed to by UNHCR that allows all transferee under RRA to settle outside immigration detention. The Australian Government is meeting the bills for all accommodation and medical expenses in Port Moresby.

The country’s biggest referral hospital in the country Port Moresby General Hospital is seeing a massive increase of COVID-19 cases both from its staff and patients. CEO Dr Paki Molumi confirmed that 114 of the hospital staff have tested positive to COVID-19 which is almost the half of the hospital staff. Dr Molumi said, they have allowed those confirmed with COVID-19 to be isolated for two weeks and come back for work after their isolation period is over. “Our staff have undergone full medical examination.” “Those who have core underline diseases and the older ones have been put in the back, away from the frontline to keep them safe.” Dr Molumi clarified that most the hospital staff contracted COVID-19 from their communities and not from the hospital. “About 70% of them have got the disease from the community which means that there is a widespread of the disease in our communities.” He said testing is the only way to determine how far and wide COVID-19 is spreading. “We are picking up more of the cases among our staff because we are doing testing everyday.” Besides the numbers rapidly increasing among the staff at the Port Moresby General Hospital, the staff have undergone a training to stay mentally prepared and readily be available for a COVID-19 situation like this prior to the surge currently experienced. “The staff who have been confirmed with COVID-19 were isolated for two weeks and they return to work after that.” “This is the good thing about POM GEN staff, they are willing to take on the challenges despite the situation and move forward to serve the population.”