Morobe orders mask up

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MOROBE is implementing a no-mask-no-entry policy for all businesses and government facilities after four deaths reportedly caused by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Delta variant.
Provincial administrator Bart Ipanbonj, in a circular, said it was one of the nine measures implemented to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 in the province.
“We have had a surge in Covid-19 cases with four deaths in the space of a week. “We suspect that the deaths may have been caused by the Covid-19 Delta variant,” he said.
“The measures come into effect immediately and remain until the Morobe provincial emergency operations committee (decides) to extend or discontinue them.”
The nine measures are:

  • A NO mask-no entry requirement for all business houses and government facilities;
  • CLOSURE of bars, social clubs, gambling houses and nightclubs;
  • RESTAURANTS to operate at 50 per cent capacity, with alcohol allowed to be served with meals and masks be worn when not eating;
  • SHOPS, supermarkets and trade stores must ensure all customers wear face masks and wash or sanitise hands before entering;
  • SPORTING events and large social gatherings banned;
  • CHURCH services be limited to 100 people wearing masks;
  • MARKETS to practice the Niupla Pasin guidelines of wearing masks and hand hygiene;
  • PUBLIC servants and any resources under their control to be on standby to assist the Covid-19 response as directed; and,
  • PUBLIC servants, business workers and the general population urged to be vaccinated to reduce community transmission in Morobe.