The Commissioner of Police and Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response, David Manning has watered down plans for nationwide protest. https://pngsun.com/2020/04/30/png-man-recovered-from-covid-19-in-laos/

The planned protest is in relation to a change in pandemic measures which drew criticism from wider audience.

The measures imposed compulsory vaccination for domestic travels. Manning revised the measures in hours ‘ time.

In a press statement, Mr Manning said that certain individuals and interest groups with ulterior motives are making these calls for protest over the social media.

Additionally, he said, but there is no basis because the domestic travel measures have not changed.

We simply included an additional category to Schedule 1 of Measure 3 which now enables those who have been vaccinated to travel when-ever and where-ever they wish domestically.

Pandemic Controller, David Manning

Other travelers will need to fit one of the five categories for domestic travel. So in effect the measures for domestic air travel have not changed. People must know and understand that we are living in a global pandemic. Covid-19 has infected close to 183 million people and killed almost four million people globally. Therefore, COVID -19 restrictions are a necessity.

GENERAL ADJUSTMENTS TO LIVE WITH COVID-19

We are returning to the “New Normal” or Niupela Pasin. The government is and continues to act responsibly. But, before we can ever hope to return to normalcy, we need to accept and self-impose certain things.

We have made significant progress in bettering our Public health system, ensuring and encouraging compliance to the Niupela Pasin, and general adjustments to living with COVID-19 amongst us.

“From the outset best practice and lessons have guided our response. Now is not the time to play politics, nor is it the time to push individual desires and agendas. Desperate and deluded conspiracy theorists and failed politicians need to be reminded that we are an easily impressionable people. And as such, they need to be aware of the impact of their personal views and agendas. Do not prey on peoples’ naivety, nor ignorance. Because it just exposes your desperation and single mindedness and self-serving agenda.

“For our nation to progress we must come to the realization that we must put the nation first. By doing this, we will be able to easily see what these unpatriotic self-serving individuals’ agendas are. The people hold the power to change this country, not political bickering and attention seeking, and highly questionable morals and ethics of individuals and self-entitled groups.

“I ask the public to carefully examine those people and groups who are pushing the agenda for strike action or protest marches. Ask them what is their motive when there is no cause?

“I did not ask or apply for the Controller’s position. The Government in its wisdom appointed me to lead the PNG Government response to COVID-19. I took up the challenge because I have sworn an oath to protect and serve the people of PNG. As the Controller, I will do so to the best of my ability. I know, not everyone will be happy with the restrictions or the measures imposed, but the safety of the nation is of paramount importance. More so than the discomfort of one or two individuals or organizations.

GOD PROTECTS PNG FROM COVID-19

“As a country, God has blessed and protected us from COVID-19. You don’t need to look far to see the death and destruction COVID-19 has caused in other countries. God also gave our leaders the wisdom to take swift decisive action when needed. We, as a country, have done exceptionally well and this is due largely to the quick and decisive action taken by the Marape-Basil Government.

“When the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020, we immediately shut down our country and declared a National State of Emergency. We are the only country to have done so. The measures and restrictions we put in place further reduced our exposure as a country. As of July 1, PNG’s cumulative COVID-19 total is 17,254 with 174 deaths. https://www.who.int/papuanewguinea

“Whilst we acknowledge God’s hand in our lives, we must also play our part as well. So I appeal to all Papua New Guineans to please work with us as the pandemic isn’t over yet. We need to work together and collectively defeat this global health threat,” Mr Manning concluded.