China assists Papua New Guinea to combat COVID-19

CONTROLLER of the State of Emergency and Commissioner of Police David Manning says the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is working to assist Papua New Guineans stranded abroad and want to return to the country.

“Given the current global travel restrictions including the restrictions imposed by the government a number of PNG citizens are stranded and the department will be recommending what can be done when the State of Emergency is being reviewed when the 14 days expire,” Mr Manning said.
He said the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has developed its Consular Response Plan and will be submitting this to the COVID-19 Joint Agency Task Force team to see how citizens abroad can be supported and brought back to the country.
Information given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade also states 23 citizens who flew out and cannot fly back are stranded in Australia, one in Malaysia, 4 citizens in Singapore and a deceased from a non-COVID-19 related death to be repatriated from Thailand.
The Department has also advised that development partners have pledged assistance and support to PNG's ongoing security, health and economic response to the COVID 19 pandemic.
“Our thoughts and prayers go to neighbouring countries whose citizens have been affected by the COVID-19. May God bless and protect us all in this time of need,” Mr Manning said.

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China assists Papua New Guinea to combat COVID-19