PNG Parliament votes to shut down the country for 2 months amid COVID-19 fears
Papua New Guinea Parliament has voted to shut the down the country and extended the State of Emergency in response to global pandemic COVID-19 for 2 months.
Prime Minister James Marape says this is because the PNG health system does not have the ability to defend people against coronavirus 19.
But he says after the first SOE lapses on Monday, the SOE controller will be asked to lift the ban on movement between provinces.
But this he says will be done in a process where people will be required to declare where they are going and why and how long they will be staying
"Now is not the time to be complacent. Now is not the time to play politics" says Marape.
Parliament debated the proposal before it sanctioned the SOE proposals through an Emergency Act. The State of Emergency will continue for the next two months but domestic air travels and movement of people have been allowed.
Following are what the Parliament deliberated
If no Covid-19 cases reported or confirmed by this Frinday, 3rd April 2020;
1. No more lockdown. Domestic flights, businesses and Schools will be reopened if no Covid-19 is confirmed in PNG after Day 14. This will be done under some level of control.
2. Our International arports Ports and borders remain closed until further Notice.
3. All 22 PHAs will be upgraded to ensure they have necessary capacity not Just for Covid-19 but for the long term use. Continued prepared and awareness likely to cost over K500m.
4. Announced K5. 6billion Economic Stimulus package announced. Banks will extend 3months repayment free Period for those got bank LOANS. A relief of K600m.
5. Superfunds will release K500m savings to its members. SOE reforms and Supplimentary Budget expected.
Responsible Action by Marape Steven government to keep PNG free of Corona Virus and support our people and businesses ahead of looming global crises.
Next :
But he says after the first SOE lapses on Monday, the SOE controller will be asked to lift the ban on movement between provinces.
But this he says will be done in a process where people will be required to declare where they are going and why and how long they will be staying
"Now is not the time to be complacent. Now is not the time to play politics" says Marape.
Parliament debated the proposal before it sanctioned the SOE proposals through an Emergency Act. The State of Emergency will continue for the next two months but domestic air travels and movement of people have been allowed.
Following are what the Parliament deliberated
If no Covid-19 cases reported or confirmed by this Frinday, 3rd April 2020;
1. No more lockdown. Domestic flights, businesses and Schools will be reopened if no Covid-19 is confirmed in PNG after Day 14. This will be done under some level of control.
2. Our International arports Ports and borders remain closed until further Notice.
3. All 22 PHAs will be upgraded to ensure they have necessary capacity not Just for Covid-19 but for the long term use. Continued prepared and awareness likely to cost over K500m.
4. Announced K5. 6billion Economic Stimulus package announced. Banks will extend 3months repayment free Period for those got bank LOANS. A relief of K600m.
5. Superfunds will release K500m savings to its members. SOE reforms and Supplimentary Budget expected.
Responsible Action by Marape Steven government to keep PNG free of Corona Virus and support our people and businesses ahead of looming global crises.
Next :
Post a Comment