Mt Hagen lockdown set for 2 weeks

MOUNT Hagen will be locked down for two weeks starting Monday to stop the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the province.
The lockdown measures include the closure of markets, businesses to operate from 7am to 3pm, only grade Eight and grade 12 students to attend classes, a ban on church services and public gatherings.
The provincial Covid-19 coordinating committee met yesterday to finalise the measures.
Buses and taxis will be allowed to take a limited number of passengers and airline companies will have to follow Covid-19 protocols at the Kagamuga airport.
Passengers will be tested on arrival and before boarding.
If a passenger tests positive on arrival, he or she will foot the medical expenses.
Acting provincial administrator Stanley Maip said police officers, soldiers and health workers would man the checkpoints at Togoba, Kagamua and Ogelbeng.
Unnecessary travels in and out of Mt Hagen will not be allowed.
People from other provinces wanting to travel to Mt Hagen must have a genuine reason, get medical approval from a hospital or produce a Covid-19 vaccination card.
“This lockdown will stop people’s movement so we can find ways to contain the spread,” Maip said.
“All movements of people and vehicles will come to a stop.
“Those who want to apply for travel passes can go the office of the provincial police commander Chief Insp Jacob Kamiak.”