Bougainville extends restrictions

BOUGAINVILLE president Ishmael Toroama has announced the extension of the current state of emergency in the region for another two months.
The decision was reached during a special sitting of the Bougainville Parliament.
“The extension is part of Bougainville’s continued health response to the global pandemic and will allow Bougainville to continue to maintain controls at entry and exit points, international border surveillance and strengthen health systems and control measures including strengthening the ‘new normal’ practices.”
Bougainville has had only one confirmed case, a 22-year-old male, however he has already recovered and remains stable.
“To date Bougainville has had no positive cases and it’s a testament to the efforts by the Joint Agency Taskforce that worked closely with the Bougainville Department of Health to protect points of entry and exits by air and sea,” Toroama said.
The Bougainville parliament also established its parliamentary emergency committee which will be chaired by Dennis Lokonai (member for Bolave constituency), John Bosco Ragu (member for Tsitalato) as deputy chair and Polycarp Suito (member for Suir), Lawrence Sirapui (member for Eivo Torau) and Callen Matuna (member for North Bougainville veterans) as members of the committee.
“This committee will monitor the management of the emergency period on behalf of the Bougainville House of Representatives in consultation with the Bougainville Emergency Controller and will provide progressive reports to parliament.
“I appeal to the people of Bougainville to continue to work together with the law enforcement and health authorities to ensure that Bougainville remains protected from Covid-19.