Briefs
Council to finalise details
THE PNG Micro Small to Medium Enterprise (MSME) Council is working with the government to finalise details of the national government’s economic assistance to MSMEs throughout the country affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. a briefing by PNG MSME president Des Yaninen and council member James Gore covered areas including financial protection and business continuity of both formal and informal MSMEs.
MP: Maintain positive attitude
Northern Governor Gary Juffa has urged people to maintain a positive mindset as the country deals with the Covid-19 pandemic. “Evict toxic thoughts and discourage toxic discussions,” Juffa posted on Facebook. “Refrain from over-thinking about things you cannot control. Refrain from gossiping, backbiting. Criticism only leads to stress.”
People can eliminate Covid-19
Catching Covid-19 does not mean you will have it for life, World Health Organisation (WHO) says. “Most of the people who catch Covid-19 can recover and eliminate the virus from their bodies. If you catch the disease, make sure you treat your symptoms. If you have cough, fever and difficulty breathing, call the Covid-19 Hotline 1800200 for advice on what to do.”
Police: Tighten up security
POLICE in East Sepik are urging business houses in the province to tighten up their security to protect their properties during the state of emergency because most law enforcement personnel are scattered throughout the province for the SOE operations. Provincial police commander Supt Albert Beli made the call after receiving information that a shop in Maprik was robbed on Wednesday by suspects dressed as police officers.
Police: Businesses warned
EAST Sepik police commander Supt Albert Beli has advised businesses to be wary of and not entertain individuals dressed in police or military uniform who enter their shops to ask for money or anything else. He said businesses needed to report such people to the command centre.
Treasurer applauds authority
TREASURER Ian Ling-Stuckey has applauded the New Ireland health authority (NIPHA) for its reactiveness in building up capacity to fight any potential outbreak of Covid-19 in Kavieng. He said he was aware that the authority had received its K200,000 allocation which was distributed to all health authorities throughout PNG by the Department of Health out of the initial K23 million released to fight Covid-19.
MP gives K250,000 to hospital
MUL-Baiyer MP Koi Trappe has given K250,000 towards the Tinsley hospital in the district to prepare health facilities and equipment for the prevention and treatment of Covid-19. District chief executive officer Wapio Bonobo made the presentation on behalf of Trappe to the general director of the Baptist Union Joseph Lakai in Mt Hagen on Thursday.
Plan includes boats ban
A BAN on small boats or vessels entering New Ireland is one of the measures the provincial taskforce has put in its response plan. The provincial government said all essential staff would continue to work during the lockdown period and a nightly curfew (7pm to 6am) had started on April 10 and would be in force for the next 21 days.
MP thanks stakeholders
WEWAK MP Kevin Isifu has thanked stakeholders in his district and East Sepik for implementing Covid-19 prevention measures. Isifu, who flew to Wewak on Thursday, urged the people to continue practising basic hygiene, especially hand-washing.