Life returning to normal in PNG after Covid-19 state of emergency

Foot traffic in inner Port Moresby. Photo: RNZ / Koroi Hawkins

Life is returning to normal in Papua New Guinea this week with the end of the Covid 19 State of Emergency.

But some things are still restricted.

PNG’s Emergency Covid-19 Act lapsed on Tuesday and schools are now allowed to revert to normal classes, churches can conduct services again and sporting activities can resume.

However the passage of the National Pandemic Act last week means international flights and border crossings are still banned.

Police Commissioner David Manning said nightclubs and betting shops will remain closed and the ban on weekend sales of alcohol continues.

He said everyone must still social distance, wash their hands regularly and cough into their elbows.

Prime Minister James Marape said repatriation flights will only enter PNG through Australia and the two week quarantine period remains.

Source: RNZ