The Managing Director of the government's national radio and television service Mr. Kora Nou has been tested positive for COVID-19. The Minister for Communications & Information Technology, Timothy Masiu today confirmed that National Broadcasting Corporation's MD, Mr Nou, after showing symptoms, had followed the proper COVID-19 protocols by going for voluntary testing and has since isolated himself at home. "He is on medication and recovering well at home and the COVID Monitoring & Surveillance Unit has contacted him to provide names and contact details of those who were in close contact with him since last Thursday (25/02/2021) who are also been requested to go in for testing," Mr. Masiu said. The Minister said the COVID Monitoring & Surveillance Unit has advised that since Mr Nou was already outside the workplace when he developed the symptoms, the NBC is outside the period of interest, so work must continue unabated. Minister Masiu also reminded the staff to maintain the "Niupla Pasin" of doing things to minimize the current spike in new cases in the country. "Managing Director will continue to work from home and should be out of self-isolation after the required 10 days. I expect all staff to be at work at all times and performing your assigned duties." "It is also critical at this stage as we are preparing to do a live nationwide broadcast of the Founding Father's funeral service in Port Moresby and Wewak and I know all NBC technical, news, and broadcast staff are geared towards delivering this national event," Mr Masiu said.

The National Department of Health thanks Dr Luo Dapeng, World Health Organization Representative in Papua New Guinea, for his dedication and support to Papua New Guinea's Health Sector. Dr Luo Dapeng started working in Papua New Guinea as the Representative in June 2017. Dr Luo Dapeng came to Papua New Guinea with a wealth of experience, especially in communicable disease prevention and control and in assisting Papua New Guinea to meet its sustainable Development Goals of ending the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other communicable diseases by 2030. Dr Dapeng also brought with him a background in managing and coordinating complex emergency responses, which was especially evident with his handling and support of the polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea in 2019 and COVID-19 in 2020. Under Dr Luo Dapeng’s leadership, the WHO has been a significant contributor and supporter of our work in developing the National Health Plan 2021 – 2030; strengthening Universal Health Coverage through access to health services; improving maternal and child health; and strengthening Papua New Guinea’s health emergency capability through better planning, preparedness and response capacity. The Secretary for Health, Dr Osborne Liko said “Dr Luo Dapeng has been a pleasure to work with. No request for support has been too big, especially in supporting Papua New Guinea’s response to managing COVID-19”. Dr Liko further noted that “the WHO staff are always responsive and work closely with all sectors and partners in the health system. I look forward to continuing this strong relationship with Ms Anna Maalsen, who will act as the WHO Representative in the coming months”.  Dr Luo Dapeng is a friend of Papua New Guinea and we are grateful for his work, support and commitment. Dr Luo Dapeng will be missed, and Papua New Guinea wishes him all the best for his next assignment and future.

Air Niugini is upgrading selected flights to Momote Airport, Manus Island, to larger Boeing 737 aircraft from early next month, following recent upgrading and restoration work on the runway carried out by National Airports Corporation (NAC). The Boeing 737 service will touch down in Manus Island at 1035am on Easter Saturday 03rd April. Thereafter the B737 aircraft will become a regular sight at Momote Airport, with non-stop services from and to Port Moresby operating every Saturday. Fokker jet aircraft will continue to service Manus Island on all other days of the week. Air Niugini’s General Manager Commercial Services, Mr. Dominic Kaumu noted, “By using the B737 to Manus Island this will allow the Fokker jet aircraft that currently service the route to be used to increase capacity elsewhere.   “Manus is an important destination in Air Niugini’s network, and the Boeing 737 will carry up to 144 passengers per flight (16 Business and 128 Economy) compared to 101 seats in the Fokker 100. This direct B737 service will take just 1 hour 20 minutes, and will greatly assist in meeting demand whilst offering the fastest, smoothest, and most comfortable flights for our customers.” Once the pandemic is over, and overseas business and leisure passengers return, the Boeing 737 will be a popular choice for travellers to Manus Island. Mr. Kaumu also noted, “Manus Island is one of the more remote Provinces of Papua New Guinea, and the Boeing 737 will carry more freight than the Fokker aircraft currently used. “This will assist with uplifting essential supplies and equipment into Manus Island, and potentially marine produce and other freight from Momote to Port Moresby and overseas. We are delighted to be able to provide the greater capacity and reliability of services that our customers deserve.” Elsewhere Air Niugini already operates daily Boeing 737 services to Mount Hagen, and three Boeing 737 services per week to Alotau. Air Niugini continues to operate with strict health and safety measures in place including temperature testing of all passengers and providing face masks and hand sanitiser to ensure your air travel is safe.

Papua New Guinea reported 63 new cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Thursday 4th of March, increasing the country’s total cases to 1,492. The latest cases were reported in Morobe province, West Sepik, East Sepik, Western Province and in the National Capital District. Six cases were reported in the Morobe province in which four were males and two females, ages ranging from 14 to 53 years old. Five of the six cases were showing symptoms of COVID-19 whilst one was asymptomatic at the time of testing. Five of the six cases have come into contact with previous known cases. West Sepik reported seven new cases in which six are females and one is a male with ages ranging from 26 to 53 years. One out of the seven cases was experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 whilst the other six were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Four cases were reported in East Sepik of which two are males and two are females between the ages of 28 to 59 years old. All four cases were experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing. Two new cases were reported in the Western province. The youngest of the two cases is 11 years old whilst the oldest is 23. Both cases are reported to have come into contact with previous known cases. NCD reported 44 cases of which 26 are males and 18 females. The youngest of them is 25-years old whilst the oldest is 65. Thirty cases were experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 whilst 14 cases were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Eight of the 44 reported cases have come into contact with previous known cases. The country’s COVID-19 cases as a result stands at 1,492 with 16 known deaths. Seventeen provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) have reported cases. The distribution of the cases is as follows: Provinces                                  Confirmed Cases NCD                                           600 Western Province                      325 West New Britain                       196 West Sepik                                 148 AROB                                         39 East New Britain                         38 Madang                                      35 New Ireland                                23 Morobe                                       22 Western Highlands                     18 Central                                       14 Eastern Highlands                      13 East Sepik                                  13 SHP                                             3 Enga                                            3 Milne Bay                                     2 Hela                                             1 TOTAL                                       1,492 Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 114,428,211 including 348,281 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll is 2,543,755 of which 7,807 were reported in the last 24 hours.

63 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the last 24 hrs increasing the country’s total cases to 1,492. Deaths stand at 16 with 2 recent COVID-19 related deaths reported this week. The latest cases were reported are Morobe province, West Sepik, East Sepik, Western Province and in the National Capital District. NCD reported the highest with 44 cases yesterday. Keep practicing C-19 safety protocols, listen in to the news on this station and follow our news website pnghausbung.com for more on this story.

Vernon Hamei, 35 from Leta in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and Kaiapit in Morobe Province has rekindled his artistic talent after almost two (2) decades to draw up a sketch of the Late Grand Chief Rt. Hon Sir Michael Somare. “I did the drawing as an act of gratitude and respect in honour of the Late Grand Chief since I couldn't think of anything else I could offer from the bottom of my heart to express my deepest gratitude for the great leader he has been for this nation”, said Vernon. Vernon could remember years ago when he was a kid, his late grandfather was the VIP driver for the Department of Works at that time and he usually was the Late Grand Chief's choice of drivers whenever the Late Grand Chief visited Lae. He said with that feeling knowing that one of his family members knew the Late Grand Chief personally, it inspired him to sketch a picture. “Sadly when my Late Grandfather died in the year 1993, the Late Grand Chief Rt Hon Sir Michael Somare arranged for a helicopter to transport him to Kaiapit, Intoap village in Markham and so the Late Grand Chief has had a huge and great impact in my life”, said Vernon. Mr Hamei started drawing when he was around 10 years old. He knew he could draw but he really did not venture into that talent he had saying that his focus was somewhere else. His passion for drawing was rekindled and he started drawing again two (2) weeks ago. “Drawing is just one of my hobbies but I really hope I can do it professionally and hopefully a lot of people can one day be interested in my artwork”, happily said Vernon. The only male sibling in a family of 3, Vernon resides in Lae and is married with only one (1) child. Vernon currently is Self-Employed and left his job some years back to go back to college to study Architecture but unfortunately left College due to personal reasons. Vernon is also very good with the strings on his guitar. He plays guitar for ‘Lae Jazz Band’, a well-known Lae based pub band who usually performs on private and corporate functions and also do regular gigs around Lae City. He acknowledged the Lord for the ability to express himself through art and he is still practicing to do what they call ‘Hyper Realistic Drawings’ or drawings that look like photographs and oil on canvas paintings. In the near future, he hopes to be able to make some money out of his incredible talent.

The Royals Rugby Union Club (RRUC) were given the nod to participate in the Capital Rugby Union (CRU) Competition in 2021. President for Capital Rugby Union, Mr Kori Chan said that the decision to allow Royals RUC to join the CRU, was a consultative process between the Board and all member clubs, from which a consensus was reached to approve an application from Royals RUC to join the association. “The inclusion of Royals RUC will add value to the CRU as the club has made great strides in developing their club and team culture and player depth, via their junior development programs and community outreach activities in their player catchment areas of 9 mile and Bomana”, said Mr Chan. There will be conditions attached to their membership and details of these conditions will be issued in the coming days and will require agreement between RRUC and CRU. They mainly focus on ensuring discipline, good behaviour and adopting shared values between the club and the CRU competition over a set period of time Royals now join MBB Marlins as the second Club to be admitted to the CRU in 2021, bringing the total number to ten (10) club affiliates. An U17 Competition has been added to the association’s competition structure, thus making the CRU the biggest Provincial Union to date, with a total of six (6) grades per Club; Premier, A Grade, B Grade – U23, U19, U17, Women’s Open. CRU has two (2) more weekends of Pre-Season Matches left, before the revamped and larger CRU Competition commences on the 13 and 14 of March 2021. “We would like to thank all of our original member clubs for their continued support, particularly in 2020 and without their commitment, we would not have been able to conduct a small but successful XV aside competition last year”, said Mr Chan. The Board and Operations Team of the CRU are looking forward to working with all their clubs in what will be an exciting year, as they continue to strengthen the CRU Brand and promote Rugby in NCD and throughout Papua New Guinea.

Extreme weather conditions in Port Moresby had forced the closure of a school this week at Hohola in the National Capital District. Students attending Full Gospel Academy will be missing classes this week after their classrooms were damaged over the weekend. The Hohola school had to close its doors on Tuesday morning and send students home after the classrooms suffered major damage from the strong winds and heavy rains over the long weekend. “We have given our students their activities for the week so they can do that at home while we work on fixing the classrooms.” “Classes will resume on Monday,” said the school principal Mrs Mary Ailai. Mrs Ailai added that parents that haven’t gone in to pick up their kids worksheets, must go to the school to collect them. The school director, Senior Pastor Albert Sengi also made a call to parents and anyone in the community to go to the school and assist them to fix the classrooms for the children to resume next week.

The New Ireland Province will be staging an inter-denominational Church service in honour of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare on 12th March at 10am on Friday morning at the Utu Secondary School Grounds. New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan naturally selected Utu Secondary school because it was where Sir Michael began his teaching career back when it was called Utu Intermediate school and because the road there was named Sir Michael Somare Avenue on the 16th of September 2020, during the Grand Opening of the Legislative Assembly. Acting Administrator CEO for Education Benson Apelis will be meeting with Church representatives to make arrangements for the special commemorative service. “This is an open invitation to all our people who would like a solemn day to come together, united in prayer and remembrance honouring the legacy of our Founding father through a formal church service,” said Sir Julius Chan. Sir J emphasized that “ The Utu gathering will be the only official recognized gathering, any other off shoot events will not be entertained.” Other schools, Churches and individual organisations, Councils and Wards throughout New Ireland are also urged to hold their own services in their own locations. The earlier part of Thursday morning is chosen to allow for viewing of the Funeral service on National Television at 2pm in the afternoon. Governor Sir Julius Chan will be flying into Port Moresby today to attend the HausKrai at the Sir John Guise stadium on Thursday 4th March. He will be accompanied by Deputy Governor Sammy Missen and Traditional New Ireland Chiefs representing the two districts Engleberth Lutham and Valentine Betbet. The Port Moresby New Ireland community is also expected to accompany the New Ireland delegation at the Sir John Guise stadium to show the Provinces last respect and farewell custom to Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. Sir J will also attend National Parliament on the 11th, where Sir Michael will lay in State for the last time. Governor will also accompany the State team to East Sepik Province for Sir Michael’s burial at Kreer Heights in Wewak.

The grand opening of the Western Pacific University in Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province planned for March 01, 2021 has been postponed to a later date. Minister for Sports and Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology Wesley Raminai has announced that the planned opening of the University on March 1 has been postponed. "Another event on 12 March that is being re-scheduled is the Graduation of the Divine Word University," Raminai said. This is in respect for the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, who passed away on 26 February in news that has placed the nation in a deep state of mourning. Raminai, on behalf of the Ministry of Sport and Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology and his people of Kagua Erave, passed his deepest condolences to the family of Sir Michael, the Founding Father of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. Following a special National Executive Council Meeting Prime Minister James Marape announced a two week mourning period which started on March 01, with a public holiday declared for the country. The special period of mourning ends on 12 March, during which it is planned that a state funeral will be held to farewell the iconic leader of this country and the Pacific. Raminai said Sir Michael’s visionary leadership for this country is well documented and over the next weeks a nationwide initiative will detail many of these crucial achievements of this great man. Sir Michael as Chief Minister following elections in 1972 led the country to self-government on 1 December 1973, and subsequently became our country’s first Prime Minister when Papua New Guinea gained Independence from Australia on 16 September 1975. “To be quite honest some of us were not even born that time so our memories of that significant chapter of our country’s history  are from books, documentaries, stories that were told to us at school of this great man,” Raminai said. “I am humbled to be even talking about this great leader.  I humbly relay my sincere and deepest condolences to Lady Veronica and her children and the family of the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, his relatives and the people of East Sepik for sharing him with us.” “We have little choice but as a sign of respect like everyone else in the country, we have to cancel events that were planned for over the next few weeks." “This include the opening of the Western Pacific University which was set for 1 March, an important event but we have to re-schedule as a mark of respect. It is also the same for the Graduation ceremony of the Divine Word University in Madang, which will be re-scheduled to another date.” Photo sourced: Western Pacific University FB page

The tourism industry is set for a major boost in the Milne Bay Province with the recent arrival of Air Niugini's Boeing 737 service into the province. The B737 aircraft made it's inaugural flight into Gurney airport on Friday and was warmly welcomed by the the provincial government delegates, including Milne Bays Deputy governor Tom Cameron, Alotau Open MP Charles Abel, LLG presidents and the Provincial Administrator Ashan Numa and other dignitaries. Air Niugini CEO Bruce Alabaster said there was no better time to boost tourism in the province, and with restrictions placed on international borders, the benefits are huge as it gives much more opportunity to discover Papua New Guinea domestically. Air Niugini CEO Bruce Alabaster meets delegates from the MBPG. " So we will be rolling out getaway fares specifically aimed at tourist domestic travel over the next couple of weeks mainly to stimulate domestic tourism markets at a time, cruise ships aren't able to come here," said Mr Alabaster. The B737 service will be operated into Gurney three times a week, as well as the Fokker aircraft on other days. Air Niugini is also looking to extend its other services into Alotau on Friday and Monday. Air Niugini CEO Bruce Alabaster addressing the gathering at Gurney "Gurney is the second domestic airport that we're operating the B737 service to. We operate up to twice daily into Hagen, now to Gurney and we'll be extending out into Manus as well." Mr Alabaster gave his compliments to the national government for the work on the Gurney airport to extend the runway and welcomed the announcement by the Provincial government to build a new terminal. "It's a big step for Gurney, as the B737 service is 60% more capacity than the Fokker aircrafts, so its 144 (16 business and 128 economy) passengers per flight that we are able to bring in at any one time." Alotau MP Charles Abel extended his gratitude on behalf of the political leadership of the Province to the management and staff of Air Niugini and the board of Air Niugini led by CEO Bruce Alabaster who was personally on the inaugural flight. "We are grateful for the decision operationally to include Gurney as one of the locations the B737 aircraft can service." B737 aircraft at the Jacksons Airport, POM before its take off to Gurney, MBP. He challenged Papua New Guinean's to make use of the B737 service to visit Milne Bay Province and other provinces in Papua New Guinea if they couldn't travel overseas. "There are many beautiful destinations within Papua New Guinea and we have them also here in Milne Bay. We've got many resorts, world war II history sites, we got some of the best diving spots in the world, beautiful culture and we like to think, we are a peaceful province, so I'm extending an invitation to all of you, please come to Milne Bay." The inaugural B737 flight to Gurney was commanded by Captain Moses Padigaga and First Officer Bernice Watinga, both from Milne Bay; a real moment of pride and satisfaction to land the giant bird on home soil. "Its long overdue, we are no strangers to Alotau; I must say its feels good to be home," said Captain Padigaga. Captain Moses Padigaga at Gurney Airport upon arrival. Crowd waiting to witness the inaugural flight of B737 into Gurney. B737 ready to return to POM after its inaugural flight to Gurney.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has intensified collaboration with the Government of Papua New Guinea as mass gatherings to commemorate the country’s founding prime minister threaten to accelerate already rising cases of COVID-19. In February 2021, cases rose steeply, with 449 cases reported in the month of February alone, bringing the total to 1,365 with 14 deaths. Hospitals are under pressure as the number of patients mounts and some health care workers are infected with SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes thecoronavirus disease 2019. After former Prime Minister, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare died on 26 February, the country announced 12 days of mourning across the country from 1 to 12 March. Commemorations include church services, community events, a state funeral with funeral procession and traditional “hauskrai” (wake) gatherings. Dr Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Papua New Guinea, paid tribute to the former prime minister and said his team was working closely with the National Department of Health (NDoH) to encourage safe mourning. “It is fitting to mourn the loss of the late Grand Chief, Sir Michael, the “father of the nation”, and it is important to do so safely. Our WHO team is pleased to work with the National Department of Health to re-enforce the importance of protective measures to limiting COVID-19 transmission. We commend the national organising committee which put in place measures such as physical distancing for the hauskrai inside the John Guise Indoor Stadium in Port Moresby.” Distancing is one of several recommendations in a range of guidance WHO has published to support national authorities and other leaders to assess and minimise the risks posed by mass gatherings during the pandemic. “Maintaining the six healthy behaviours during the whole mourning period and beyond will be important to prevent transmission. To protect themselves and others, it is important for mourners to remember physical distancing, wear a mask, avoid crowds, clean their hands, stay home if theyare unwell, and cough into a bent elbow or tissue.” Such life-saving messages are a core part of the Niupela Pasin campaign led by the National Department of Health with support from WHO and partners. WHO is also working with NDoH counterparts in provinces that have reported recent surges in cases, including East Sepik, West Sepik, Madang and the National Capital District. Support includes visits to assess needs and deliver training on topics such as surveillance, clinical management, and infection and prevention control. A joint team is currently in Wewak, East Sepik, the home of late Sir Michael, to support the province’s COVID-19 response, as well as work with health authorities there to mitigate risks of COVID-19 transmission during the mourning period. In West Sepik, the team spoke to officers at the Correctional Services on protective measures after positive COVID-19 cases were reported there. In Madang, the team assessed laboratories and the screening process at Divine Word University campus.