Papua New Guinea (PNG) will resume international flights on a limited capacity mid-next week to allow over 500 citizens stranded overseas to return to the country.

Lifting international flights is one of the restrictions lifted partially by State of Emergency Controller, David Manning.

Thus, the restrictions have been placed as the country was responding to Covid-19 outbreak.

Also, he said the other was schools were to resume classes next Monday.

Click here for more information: https://www.thenational.com.pg/schools-to-reopen/

The National Newspaper reported Manning today, saying: “I am (also) working with the Immigration to have international flights returning on a limited capacity from mid-next week.”

Additionally, he said they were reviewing all restrictions  daily to balance the equation between the people’s health and safety.

The daily review, he said, on restrictions is to establish the new normal for business and services to operate.

“Thus, we are developing protocols for business, schools and government departments to operate in this environment,” he said.

The declaration of the State of Emergency lock-down forced schools to close on March 23.

Cabinet declared it as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Other restrictions include movement of people and traffic, scale down of public service and business operations.

Manning said passengers brought in via international flights would be quarantined for 14 days.

He assured everyone that they placed the restrictions to stop the spread of the virus.

“I thank all our people for their cooperation and by abiding by the restrictions.

“We ask your patience and understanding as we fight against this threat,” he said.

Manning said they did Covid-19 tests.

“There are 155 samples under testing in Goroka and we will fly 800 samples to Brisbane for testing,” he said.

Click here for more reading: https://pngsun.com/2020/04/19/state-of-emergency-restrictions-on-png-schools-to-be-lifted-for-class-resumption/

Prime Minister wants normalcy restored as soon as possible 

Prime Minister James Marape wants normalcy restored at the earliest as the country responds to the threat.

PM Marape said he was getting health experts to finalise protocols.

That is, on how to deal with the virus in schools, communities, workplace and churches.

His Government is working with the Municipal Government in the city to identify families who need food, he said.

“At the same time, our Government is also injecting funds into commercial banks to provide low-cost borrowing.”