Briefs

National

Hospital visitors reduced
THE Western Highlands health authority says the number of people visiting in-patients at the hospital will now be reduced to 50 for every visiting hour. Acting chief executive officer Jane Holden said the hospital would also scale back some of its services such as the dental clinic.

New Ireland to ban betel nut
NEW Ireland will impose a ban on betel nut chewing and spitting in public places as part of its preventative measures against the Covid-19 pandemic. Governor Sir Julius Chan said his province was willing to take the bold decision and invoke its existing laws on banning betel nut chewing and spitting in public places, as well as littering and drinking in public.

Spot fine for law breakers
NEW Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan says hefty spot fines will be charged on anyone who breaks the law. “If there are any humbugs, we will immediately apply the Vagrancy Law,” Sir Julius said.

Emergency response team
BULOLO development authority has established a Bulolo Covid-19 emergency coordination (CEC) team and an emergency response team (ERT) as PNG epicentre of the coronavirus. Bulolo MP Sam Basil said quarantine and inspection checks would be enforced at Gabensis (Snake Valley turn-off) – Buang LLG, Warabung (Bulolo Highway) – Mumeng and Buang LLG, Society Junction/Kol Mountain – Watut LLG to monitor, Tekadu Track (Morobe and Gulf province border) – Wau LLG. All PMV operators and others to be advised of restrictions.

Entry of civilians banned
NO civilians are allowed to enter the Igam PNG Defence Force Barracks and Lae Police Barracks during the state of emergency lockdown, Igam area commander Lt-Col Joe Terikian says. As frontline personnel to execute state directives, roles and responsibilities during such periods, their health and family wellbeing were crucial over the next 14 days, he said.

Law breakers to be arrested
Northern End Assistant Police Commissioner Peter Guinness says during SOE operations, the military and Correctional Services would exercise the SOE Act to arrest citizens who broke the law. He urged people not to attack foreign-owned shops operating in the region. Lae Metropolitan Commander Chief Insp Chris Kunyanban said an internal curfew started on Monday at three police barracks – Bumbu, Labi and Tent Siti – from 10pm-6am. He said the curfew aimed to monitor and restrict people’s movements to minimise the spread of coronavirus.

Working with community
West New Britain health authority is working in collaboration with members of the community to best prepare and respond to Covid-19, according to chief executive officer Stanis Tao. Tao said the authority started work on the Covid-19 isolation facility at the Kimbe General Hospital premises.

WNB on lockdown
West New Britain is now on lockdown for 14 days to contribute to the nationwide fight against coronavirus, Governor Francis Maneke says. The provincial government has provided an initial K1 million to the provincial health and emergency response team for their operations.

Visit clinics, people told
THE Morobe health authority is urging people experiencing symptoms of fever, dry cough and shortness of breath to visit designated clinics and health posts in the province. The authority said people with the suspicious symptoms can visit Milfordhaven clinic, Buimo urban clinic, Lae International Hospital, GM Flores Hospital and district hospitals and health centres.

Trekking suspended
TREKKING the Kokoda Track by PNG citizens is further suspended, says Kokoda Tracking Authority acting chief executive officer Julius Wargirai. This means that all local tourists intending to trek will not be allowed to walk the track until further notice. Wargirai said that the movement of villagers in local communities within the track was allowed.