Hunters in quarantine

Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League acting chief executive Stanley Hondina said a letter from the authority read in part: “In Queensland, when there is a positive case of Covid-19, our contact tracing officers identify the close contacts of that case and direct those contacts into 14 days of quarantine, being the accepted incubation period of Covid-19.”
He said the letter, which was received on Friday afternoon, further advised: “Close contacts are required to remain in quarantine for the full 14 days, even when they obtain a negative test.”
Hondina said results received on Friday following tests done on Thursday to comply with the pre- travel quarantine plans for the travelling party were “negative”.
“There were no ‘inconclusive’ results which was pleasing to note,” Hondina said.
He said in line with the latest directive, the Hunters’ travelling party would be in quarantine for another seven days.
“The positive case was identified on Feb 5 and the individual was isolated immediately,” Hondina said.
“The authority advised that the players and coaching staff were together with the positive case and were regarded as close contacts and therefore, should not be travelling to Queensland until 14 days had passed since their date of exposure to the positive Covid-19 case.”
Hondina said while it is disappointing and a setback to the Hunters’ plans, “we must understand and respect their laws and policies and comply as guests in their country”.
“In consultation with the Queensland Rugby League and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, we have rescheduled the Hunters’ travel to Queensland to Sunday (Feb 21) to comply with the 14- day quarantine requirement,” he said.
He said Prime Minister James Marape and all key stakeholders had been advised of the latest situation.
Hunters coach Matthew Church said the health and safety of everyone involved here in PNG and Queensland had always been their priority.
“This is a requirement by health authorities and we have to comply,” he said.