Delta alert to trigger ban on sports

Sports

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
NATIONAL Pandemic Response Controller David Manning says he will today issue new measures which include a nationwide ban on mass gatherings and sporting events.
The country has seen 30 cases of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Delta variant reported across Western (22), Madang (1) and the National Capital District (7).
Mass public gatherings and sporting events will stop operating right across the country,” Manning said yesterday.
Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation chief executive Albert Veratau told The National that he was not able to comment at this stage as “I haven’t got an official advice yet”.
Manning said the new measures would reflect the country’s intentions to minimise the spread of the variant.
“Measures will be specific to provinces and generally throughout the country,” he said.
“It will include mass gatherings and sporting events.”
The last measure was issued in April with the suspension of sporting events triggered by an increase in Covid-19 cases.
An advice from the National Command Centre and health authorities confirmed the suspension with the foundation closing all sporting venues.
Port Moresby’s Rita Flynn and Taurama Aquatic Centre, and Lae’s Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium are the foundation’s facilities that have been allocated for Covid-19 operations.
Manning said the new measures would reflect the centre’s efforts to control the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
The National Soccer League is the only semi-professional competition underway with the Digicel Cup completing its rugby league season earlier this month.