India Chartered Flight Denied Entry to PNG Over COVID-19 DELTA Mutation Concerns

Papua New Guinea HEALTH Minister, Hon. Jelta Wong, MP, has advised that a charter flight from India has been denied entry to Papua New Guinea due to concerns over the high possibility of passengers carrying the highly Contagious Delta mutation of COVID-19.

Minister Wong also said correct procedures were not followed for the flight seek approved for travel, and the Government will continue protecting the Nation from the escalating COVID-19 risk.

“The spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta mutation is a serious threat to Papua New Guinea and countries around the world,” Minister Wong warned.

“Our Government simply cannot run the unacceptable risk of a large COVID-19 Delta mutation spread

that would force the lockdown of businesses, government offices and schools.”

The Minister said as a developing country, Papua New Guinea has great empathy for the people of India, but must take every precaution to try and block the entry of the Delta mutation.

“There are currently more than half a million known and active COVID-19 infections in India, with 50,000 new cases still being detected each day, but the real number is likely much higher.

“The predominant COVID-19 mutation in India is the Delta strain, and it is many times more deadly than

the original COVID-19 strain.

“This COVID-19 mutation rips through communities at high speed, and causes a much greater rate of

hospitalisation for people who become infected.

“We have all seen the terrible loss of life in India over recent weeks, and the sight of thousands of

people losing their lives when their hospital system was overwhelmed.

“In Australia we have seen states and territories forced into lockdown over the past few days because of

the COVID-19 Delta Variant escaping hotel quarantine.

“So it would be highly irresponsible for our Government to allow this charter flight to enter Papua New

Guinea from one of the largest COVID-19 hotspots in the world.”

The Minister said the only true way for Papua New Guinea and other countries to fully open up and get

back to normal is through vaccination.

“During this current Delta strain spread in Australia we have seen the difference between having the

vaccine and not having the vaccine.

“In one case, at a gathering of 30 people there were 24 unvaccinated people who all caught COVID-19,

and there were 6 vaccinated people who did not catch COVID-19.

“The facts are clear and indisputable. When enough people are vaccinated the risk of infection is

reduced significantly, so we appeal to our people to take the vaccine when it is available to them.

“Taking the vaccine is a life and death decision, so I ask everyone to talk with your families and make

them safe by taking the vaccine. This is your free choice, and it is one of the most important decisions

you might ever make.”

Minister Wong said the Government of Papua New Guinea will continue to assess the situation in India.

“The Government will consider a future application for a charter flight, which will be based on health

advice, and proper procedures are followed in making the application.

“Unfortunately, correct procedures were not followed to seek permission for this charter flight, which

will cause disappointment for people who had been incorrectly told the flight had been arranged.

“Our thoughts and our prayers are with the people of India as they fight to overcome this terrible and

highly destructive COVID-19 Delta strain.”

Travels affected by rapid spread of Delta Variant. It is twice more transmissible than the original virus.

Next: Manning: International Passenger arrivals in PNG must be fully vaccinated