Milne Bay sets ban on cruise ships

CRUISE ships are banned from Milne Bay until the province’s capacity is improved to deal with coronavirus, Governor John Crittin says.
Crittin said Health and HIV/AIDS Minister Jelta Wong was advised of the decision on Feb 27.
“This position was reached due to the many concerns raised by the public, local leaders and the special provincial disaster and emergency committee addressing the coronavirus issue in the last couple of weeks,” he said.
Crittin said the concern regarded cruise ships from Australia despite World Health Organisation reports on the number of infections reported on cruise ships around the world.
“Australia now has 27 reported cases and PNG, especially Milne Bay, is not immune and it’s just a matter of time,” he said.
“If we are not vigilant and careful, we may allow the disease to enter our shores and the consequences will be adverse given the current experience around the world and the current status of our health system.
“Although I acknowledge the highest standard of screening of tourists on the cruise ships by the Australian authorities before boarding the ships to PNG, the fact that not all systems are watertight, including Australia, so as a responsible leader, I cannot allow my people to be exposed to such a very high health risk.”
Crttin said he understood the impact the ban would have on his province’s tourism industry but the love of his people was paramount.
“We can revive and rebuild the tourism industry after this global health issue is addressed,” he said.