MP supports call to ban tourist vessels

RABAUL MP and deputy opposition leader Dr Allan Marat is backing two fellow East New Britain (ENB) MPs to execute a call by Governor Nakikus Konga on a temporary ban on all international vessels coming into the province.
Dr Marat with Pomio MP Elias Kapavore, Kokopo MP Emil Tammur, supported Konga’s call for a temporary ban on all international vessels coming into the province as a measure to protect the province from the coronavirus epidemic that is affecting countries in the Asia region as well as Europe.
Speaking recently during a media conference in Kokopo, Dr Marat said the coronavirus was causing disruption and uncertainty in business and travel between countries and PNG needed to safeguard itself against the threat.
He said local health services did not have the capacity to manage the coronavirus if it was spread around the country and, therefore, drastic measures needed to be taken for the time being to limit the threat of it coming into the country.
He said presently, prevention was the best form of defence against the disease.
He said any negative effects on business and the local economy from the ban would not be as detrimental as those associated with an outbreak.