Call to follow simple rules

By LARRY ANDREW
SIMPLE rules must be followed, says deputy controller of state of emergency (SOE) for the Northern end division assistant commissioner Police Peter Guinness.
He said if simple rules such as washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitisers and observing social distancing were not followed, it had the potential to negatively impact communities, towns and provinces in the country.
Guinness, who is also chairman of the Morobe emergency management committee Covid-19 team, said people needed to understand and realise that the coronavirus was very serious and has killed thousands worldwide and, therefore, PNG needed to lay down strong measures such as the SOE and the nationwide lockdown to protect the people.
He said as of midnight Sunday (Monday morning) stores were to close at 5pm, service stations to close at 7pm, PMVs and taxis are to cease operation at 7pm as well.
Guinness added that churches and congregations are to limit the number of people going to church to 50 or less and encourage congregation members to worship at home, betel nut markets, street sales, bottle shops, night clubs, horse race betting shops and other non-essential services were to remain closed until further notice.
“All this came up as the result of so many people seen still walking around town, mingling together and this is basically to try and discourage the attitude of social gatherings,” he said.
“We should be attentive on simple rules applied during the SOE until we get clearance from the Health Department through the Government to return to normal activities.”
Meanwhile, Guinness also approved PNG Defence Force personnel stationed at Igam Barracks in Lae to carry out Covid-19 awareness in that part of the city.
He said Lae police, under Met Supt Chris Kunyanban, had also been carrying out awareness and would continue to enforce SOE directives.
He said police were ready to assist the Health Department in enforcing health and safety regulations during the SOE period.