Football fans return

THE National Control Centre has granted approval to the Papua New Guinea Football Association for the return of spectators for the National Soccer League season.
Deputy National Pandemic Response Controller Dr Daoni Esorom said in a letter that due to the presence of the Delta variant in the country, “approval is granted for only 30 per cent seating capacity for spectators at the soccer facilities with strict Covid-19 protocols”.
Saturday’s round five saw football fans attend matches at Port Moresby’s PNG Football Stadium and Lae’s Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium for the first time this season.
The approval was attributed to the league’s protocols and the assurance that all Niupela Pasin measures would be adhered to throughout the season.
“Take note that the centre or provincial health authority will be monitoring the league as part of their routine function to ensure compliance of the measures,” the letter said.
“Failure to comply with the measures can result in termination of the event and its related activities.”
Association competitions director Roosje Suwae said they were thrilled with the return of spectators.