MPs told to wear masks

By HELEN TARAWA
THE “no mask-no entry” rule will strictly apply when Parliament sits today, with other public health regulations to be enforced, says Clerk to Parliament Kala Aufa.
All MPs are required to wear masks when they enter the chamber plus the selected few occupying the public gallery, he said.
“The MPs will sit in their respective seats and we will ensure that they wear masks,” he said.
“We have been cleaning the Parliament area.
“There are hand-wash and sanitisers at certain locations for people to use.
“The no-mask no-entry policy (will be enforced) at the check-points and access is through the back gate. The main gate remains closed,” Aufa said.
Leader of Government Business Rainbo Paita said there would be legislations to be debated including the Organic Law on Oil and Gas and the Independent Commission Against Corruption Bill.
It is also expected that the MPs will be briefed on the funding used so far on the Covid-19 response plan, and the status of the pandemic in PNG.
Paita said Job Pomat remained the Speaker of Parliament after leaving his People’s National Congress Party.
He said the PNC had moved to the Opposition so it would not be appropriate for Pomat to remain a member of that party, thus his resignation.