Highlanders caught breaking Covid-19 rules

The National National
Some of the betel nut sellers from Highlands with their bags of betel nuts at the Melkoi local level government area in Pomio, East New Britain.

TRADERS from the Highlands were allegedly caught by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) compliance team in Pomio, East New Britain, trying to buy bags of betel nuts in the Melkoi local level government.
Pomio district health coordinator Imelda Kally confirmed that there were two groups operating despite restrictions.
The first group was caught transporting 20-plus bags from Rano to Pere on a dinghy and offloading them at the Uvol Wharf.
Kally told The National that the skipper of the dinghy was issued a warning and a copy of the circular on the containment strategies for the Covid-19 in the province.
She said two men, who were also caught buying bags of betel nuts at Pilematana village, were told to remain in the village until after the 14-day isolation period.
Kally said the compliance team began in the West Pomio-Mamusi local level government area and after Melkoi, the team was moving into East Pomio to ensure the Covid-19 measures were being complied.
Kally said the Melkoi administration was also advised to provide security at the Pere-Wala entry point.