It’s business as usual, says caretaker PM Soroi Eoe
THE acting Prime Minister Soroe Eoe has assured the public that there is no lockdown.
“It is business as usual but the normal COVID protocols of Niupela Pasin must be applied,” Mr Eoe said.
The protocols he stressed are the wearing of masks in public transports, shops, markets and offices; and the use of hand sanitizers and social distancing.
Mr Eoe said businesses including main shopping centres will continue to operate in Port Moresby and other urban areas as normal since their operations are vital and contribute to the progress of the country’s economy and development.
“We are not locking down on businesses. They are our lifeline. We rely on our home grown SMES and business houses, foreign investors big and small. I want to give them my assurance that it’s business as usual, however, COVID protocols must be applied,” the acting Prime Minister made the remarks at a press conference on Thursday afternoon (September 23).
He said in the rise of rising COVID cases and deaths of front-line workers, people need to thick sensibly and act responsibly and get vaccinated.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Controller Dr Daoni Esrom also stressed there is no nationwide lockdown in response to daily newspaper headlines.
“There is no lockdown. Where are people getting their fake news from?” he said.
Mr Daoni said there are COVID surges in West Sepik, Western, NCD, Eastern Highlands Province, Hela, Enga and Morobe.
“We strongly advise our people to adhere to the Niupla Pasin, public health and non-pharmaceutical interventions. We appeal to our people 18 years and above to get vaccinated,” he said.
“Spreading fake news and rumors helps no one. It just puts the lives of our people under unnecessary risks and anxiety,” Dr Daoni said.
Eleven new specific measures came into effect on the September 15 which is related to business and travel.
As of t he 12th of September 2021, according to the Health Situation Report90 released on the 13th of September, over 119,996 people have been vaccinated at least for one dose in PNG. This includes 10,071 health workers, 38,274 people over the ages of 45 including 2,784 persons with comorbidities. Almost 45,074 people are fully vaccinated having received their 2nd dose of COVID Vaccine. There are 190 sites offering vaccination across PNG.
Currently COVID-19 cases are being reported from across PNG, with cases reported from 18 out of 22 provinces in the previous seven days, a threefold increase in the number of provinces reporting this week. Chimbu, Gulf, Hela and Milne Bay province did not report in the last seven days.