PNG Haus Bung

The close of nominations for the 2021 SP Sports Awards is nearing and the Organising Committee iscalling out to the public to submit their nominations before April 7th. Chairlady of the SPSA Organising Committee, Nancy Gah, said since the SP Sports launch in February, nominations have been slow in coming in. “We have received nominations only from Port Moresby thus far. We encourage the public plus athletes andnon-government organisations involved in sports in the provinces to submit their nominations. The SP SportsAwards is for all Papua New Guinean sports teams and athletes.” said Gah. “The Awards is about recognizing the efforts and successes of our athletes. But we also have categories forthe media, NGOs involved in sports, athletes living with disabilities and our hard working sportsadministrators and coaches. “Let us not forget that sports plays an important role in our communities. It is through sports that we are ableto put PNG on the world map. Sports also unites our people, no matter our age, ethnicity, gender and trialswe face in life. Hence this year’s theme “Excellence through Adversity”. “Let’s continue to drive positive messages through the SP Sports Awards.”The SPSA Organising Committee is calling out to sports federations, clubs, the media and general public tosubmit nominations. The 12 categories are;  People’s Choice Award Male Athlete of the Year Female Athlete of the Year Team of the Year National Performance of the Year Community Sports Initiative Junior Male Athlete of the Year Junior Female Athlete of the Year Best Sportsperson with a Disability Sports Official of the Year Sports Photo of the Year Stan Joyce Award “I’d like to highlight a category that was introduced in 2019. That is the Stan Joyce award. The Stan JoyceAward will recognize organizations that provide outstanding support through their continued partnership andcollaboration with sport in PNG. This award will go to corporate companies under the criteria of: LongevityCreativityImpact in the Community andAchievement “This will be a bi-annual award," said Gah. Nominations close on April 7th 2021. Those who wish to obtain a nomination forms are available at the SP Brewery Offices (Port Moresby, Lae,Goroka and Kokopo), PNG Sports Foundation Office, Sir John Guise Indoor Complex and the PNG OlympicCommittee Office at Lahara Drive Boroko. Forms can be downloaded from the PNG Olympic Committee website www.pngolympic.org.

Cricket PNG announced the resignation of National Coach and High Performance Manager Joe Dawes this week. After an extremely successful tenure in charge of our national teams over the last three years and the development of the high performance department it is unfortunate news for Cricket in PNG. Dawes has led a highly successful period for Cricket PNG with the Barramundis qualifying for their inaugaural ICC T20 World Cup later this year in India, regaining One Day International status and competing in the Cricket World Cup League Two 50 over competition through to 2023.He also oversaw the Lewas improvements with them also on the verge of qualification for their own World Cup debut. Dawes explained “after ten years travelling the world with my cricket roles it is time I spent some time at home helping my family, COVID has highlighted the need to be close and probably brought my decision forward. It was a difficult decision, I have a great relationship with all the players and staff at Cricket PNG, it will remain a life long connection with all of them and the country as a whole” “I’m proud of what we have achieved in my time, not only with on field success, the enjoyment also comes from seeing individuals develop both players and staff, you become very close, I have no doubt they will continue to succeed. The department is in great shape we have implemented many systems and programs as a platform to success,the culture and work ethic is world class, they will continue to do PNG proud in the future.” He went on say “the World Cup in India later this year will be difficult to watch, it is extremely disappointing not to be able to share this experience with the boys but I will watching from home, I will be sad but supporting filled with pride” Cricket PNG CEO, Greg Campbell, “ It is always difficult to say good bye to a highly valued team member and friend, but we understand the circumstances and wish Joe well with his future endeavors. Joe’s record of success is plain to see, he leaves CPNG in great shape, his professionalism, people management skills and high performance systems are second to none, his legacy will continue. The Board and management thank Joe for his outstanding service” “We have done an extensive search for a suitable replacement, Joe has been heavily involved in this process. We will announce the new CPNG coach early next week once all formalities are complete, Joe will continue to assist in a smooth transition over the next couple of months. We are both confident in the decision and expect continued success under the new coach”. Some of the senior Barramundis, Captian Assad Vala, CJ Amini and Norman Vanua were asked their thoughts on Dawes departure. Assad “ Joe will be missed, he helped me in my leadership role, he brought structure, professionalism and honesty, we all became better players” Amini commented on the individual relationships Joe had with each player and the values installed and at times the “brutal honesty” delivered by Joe and his assistants as needed, he is well respected. Vanua also feels his game went to the next level under Dawes “ he taught me to toughen up, game management and leadership skills, and gave me clear roles in the team, I definitely improved as a player” The Barras expressed that all the team and the Lewas are sad to see the coach leave but that what Dawes has installed in them and the HP staff will continue, he has helped us all and now we must look forward to continuing these efforts with our new coach.

The Waigani Committal Court has found sufficient evidence today to committ the accused Bhosip Kaiwi's murder case to the National Court. Bhosip Kaiwi was charged with the murder of his partner, late Jenelyn Kennedy who died on the 23rd of June 2020. On the 25th June 2020, the accused was arrested and charged with willful murder however, this charge has since been downgraded to murder charge. Magistrate Tracey Ganaii said she found the medical report to be supporting the key element in the charge, intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The matter is expected to return to Court by the 16th of April 2021 under section 96 of the District Court Act.

Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response David Manning has issued a new direction on the use of Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (Ag-RDT) for COVID-19. Mr Manning has authorised the Port Moresby General Hospital, all Provincial Health Authorities and all private health facilities and hospitals to use Panbio COVID-19 Ag-RDT to test suspected case of COVID-19. Certain conditions have been placed on this authorization including: 1. Testing to be limited to the following classes of person: a. Persons who have been symptomatic as per the case definition (Measure 8), for seven (7) days or less; and b. Close contacts. 2. Ag-RDT is not to be used for mass testing or screening of asymptomatic people, except in accordance with the Measures; 3. All tests are to be confirmed by RT-PCR or GeneXpert COVID-19 tests; 4. All positive test results must be immediately confirmed by GeneXpert COVID-19 test if possible or RT-PCR; and 5. All persons who test positive shall be isolated and treated as a positive COVID-19 case until confirmatory test is received according to paragraph 4. This direction was issued on March 23 and remains in effect until further notice.

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.