National Control Centre for Covid-19, P. O. Box 85, Konedobu, Port Moresby (2026)

30/03/2023

Controller Manning revokes all previous COVID-19 measures

OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response
Joint Agency Task Force
Media Statement – Thursday 30th March 2023

Police Commissioner and Controller of PNG’s National Pandemic Response, Mr David Manning, today (30 March 2023) revoked all existing COVID-19 measures and replaced them with four new measures.

Mr Manning said these four new measures minimize limitations, whilst supporting the role of the Controller as we continue to monitor the COVID-19 environment.

Measure 1 revokes all previous measures and directions - This provides a new foundation and prosperity for the new measures. It cancels all previous measures, including anything related to provincial control bodies, travel, price measures, social gatherings, and liquor restrictions.

Measure 2 is new and designed to ensure continued situational awareness. It provides the Controller with oversight in surges of COVID-19 presentations in larger hospitals and medical facilities.

Measure 3 relates to Customs Duties. This enables the Controller advice and control on continuing ad-hoc COVID-19 resource procurement activities, as it remains relevant.

Measure 4 relates to Price Controls. This dictates market price control parameters and anything over and above this measure must be approved by the lCCC.

Liquor related sales are now restored to pre-COVID restrictions, thus allowing the return of take-away liquor sales on Fridays and Saturdays.

Mr Manning said, “We have all had to adapt to changes and challenges brought on by this global COVID-19 pandemic. As the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Commissioner and Controller for the National Control Centre for COVID-19, l thank you for contributing towards a safer PNG.”

Approved for release by:
David Manning, MBE, OStJ, DPS, QPM
Commissioner of Police & Controller
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response

17/10/2022

All COVID-19 restrictions to be lifted for international travel into PNG

OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response
Joint Agency Task Force
Media Statement – Wednesday 05th October 2022

As of October 6 there will be no COVID-19 restrictions under the National Pandemic Act for international travel into PNG.

Commissioner of Police and Controller of the PNG National Pandemic Response David Manning has revoked Measure No. 2 on international travel under the National Pandemic Act 2020. Effective as of October 6 there will be no COVID-19 restrictions on international travel into PNG.

The Controller has also amended Measure 3 to remove restrictions on mass gatherings. Measure 9 is amended to remove mandatory requirements to wear a mask in airports or on planes. Measure 11 on Price Controls is renewed for another 90 days.

All these new measures, which become effective as of 6 October 2022, are attached.

Approved for release by:
David Manning, MBE, OStJ, DPS, QPM
Commissioner of Police & Controller
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response

06/08/2022

All persons traveling into PNG will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19

OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response
Joint Agency Task Force
Media Statement – Thursday 04th August 2022

No person, except citizens or permanent residences, are permitted to board an aircraft, vessel or vehicle bound for Papua New Guinea or otherwise enter Papua New Guinea, unless they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

They will now all be required to be vaccinated using one of the ten COVID-19 vaccines as listed in the schedule below, unless they are under the age of 18.

Commissioner of Police and Controller of the PNG National Pandemic Response David Manning issued this new Measure No. 2 on international travel under the National Pandemic Act 2020 on Price Controls which came into effect on August 4, 2022.

Under the new Measure No 2, a person is considered fully vaccinated if they have received:
• a single dose vaccine as listed in Schedule 1;
• a second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccination as listed in Schedule 1; and
• received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines as listed in Schedule 1.

Travel operators or private organisations – as relevant – bringing persons into PNG will at check-in or before departure, check all persons Proof of Vaccination – Vaccination Certificate, a person must not be allowed to board an aircraft, vessel or vehicle bound for PNG without these documents, except for Citizens, Permanent Residents or persons under the age of 18.

According to the new measure:
• No incoming arrival shall be quarantined, except at the written direction of the Controller.
• For the purpose of these Measures, a person arriving into PNG on any aircraft is taken not to arrive in PNG if the person does not leave the aircraft or the immediate vicinity of the aircraft for the purposes of conducting pre-flight inspections and refuelling.
• For the purpose of these Measures, a person arriving into PNG on any vessel is taken not to arrive in PNG if the person does not leave the vessel.
• The Controller may exempt a person from some or all of the International Travel Measures, at his sole discretion and subject to conditions he imposes.
• A person or organisation that allows a person to board an aircraft bound for PNG in breach of these Measures shall be deemed to have committed an offence under the National Pandemic Act 2020.
• A person that attempts to or does enter PNG in breach of these Measures shall be returned to their original port of departure at the cost of individual if they did not take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with these Measures.
• These measures are in compliance with the COVID-19 measures issued by the International Civil Aviation Authority.
• Authorised Officers shall ensure appropriate levels of surveillance and border monitoring systems are in place throughout the country for international travel and in particular at the traditional border crossing areas.
• These Measures come into effect on 05 August 2022 and shall apply until the end of the Declaration of a Pandemic under the Act, or as varied or revoked by the Controller.

Schedule 1 – Approved Vaccines

Vaccine Name No. of Doses to be Fully
Vaccinated
Oxford-AstraZenica COVID-19 Vaccine 2
AstraZenica COVID-19 Vaccine (COVISHIELD/SII) 2
Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine 2
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine 2
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine 1
Sinopharm-BBIBP 2
CoronaVac Sinovac 2
Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine 2
Covaxin (Bharat Biotech)\ 2
Covovax (SIINVX-CoV2373) 2

Approved for release by:
David Manning, MBE, OStJ, DPS, QPM
Commissioner of Police & Controller
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response

09/05/2022

Controller Manning issues new pandemic measure 11 on price controls

OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response
Joint Agency Task Force
Media Statement – Monday 09th May 2022

Commissioner of Police and Controller of the PNG National Pandemic Response David Manning issued new Measure No.11 under the National Pandemic Act 2020 on Price Controls.

Under the new Measure No 11:

1. Subject to Paragraph 3, businesses shall not, at wholesale or retail, increase the prices of goods listed in Schedule 1 in excess of 10% from the date of this Measure.

2. Subject to Paragraph 3, businesses shall not increase the prices of services listed in Schedule 2, in excess of 10% from the date of this Measure.

3. A business that increases prices in excess of what is allowed under Paragraph 1 for goods or Paragraph 2 for services, commits an offence, unless:

a) prior approval of the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has been obtained; or

b) the business can demonstrate that the price increase:
(i) does not reflect the taking of an unfair advantage of a consumer; and
(ii) does not unconscionably exceed the price at which the good or service was offered for sale prior to this Measure coming into effect; and
(iii) does not exceed the price at which the same or similar good, or same or similar service were readily available in PNG from other competing businesses; or

c) The business can demonstrate that the price increase reasonably reflects additional costs, not within the control of that business, that was paid, incurred, or reflects additional risks taken to produce, distribute, obtain, or sell the relevant good or service under the circumstances attributable to local, national or international market conditions.

4. A business that commits an offence under Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2, is liable for a fine not exceeding K10,000.00.

5. This Measure shall be in force for a period of 90 days but may be renewed at the Direction of the Controller for such consecutive periods, each not exceeding 90 days as the Controller deems appropriate.

6. Any Authorised Officer(s) appointed by the Controller pursuant to the National Pandemic Act may carry out and enforce this measure accordingly.

Approved for release by:
David Manning, MBE, OStJ, DPS, QPM
Commissioner of Police & Controller
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response

04/05/2022

Controller Manning issues new pandemic measure 12 on suspension of Torres Strait traditional border crossing

OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response
Joint Agency Task Force
Media Statement – Thursday 5th May 2022

Commissioner of Police and Controller of the PNG National Pandemic Response David Manning issued a new Measure No.12 under the National Pandemic Act 2020 on the suspension of Torres Strait traditional border crossing.

Under the new Measure No 12:

1. The traditional border crossing arrangements established under the Torres Strait Treaty are hereby suspended and there is a prohibition on the travel of any persons between Australia and Papua New Guinea using the traditional border crossing.

2. For the purpose of these Measures, a person arriving into PNG on any vessel is taken not to arrive in PNG if the person does not leave the vessel.

3. The Controller, Governor or Provincial Administrator of Western Province may exempt a person from this Measure, at their sole discretion and subject to conditions they impose.

4. A person is exempted from these measures in the event of emergencies, including but not limited to medical emergencies, natural disasters and emergencies at sea.

5. A person that attempts to or does breach paragraph 1, shall be deemed to have committed an offence under the National Pandemic Act 2020.

6. A person that breaches paragraph 1, shall be returned to their original Port of Departure at the cost of the individual.

7. Authorised Officers shall ensure appropriate levels of surveillance and border monitoring systems are in place throughout the country for international travel and in particular at the traditional border crossing areas.

8. These Measures come into effect on 04 May 2022 and shall apply until the end of the Declaration of a Pandemic under the Act, or as varied or revoked by the Controller.

Approved for release by:
David Manning, MBE, OStJ, DPS, QPM
Commissioner of Police & Controller
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response

27/04/2022

Controller Manning issues new pandemic measure 2 on International Travel

OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response
Joint Agency Task Force
Media Statement – Wednesday 27th April 2022

Commissioner of Police and Controller of the PNG National Pandemic Response David Manning today revoked previous Measure No.2 issued under the National Pandemic Act 2020 and replaced it with a new measure which became effective on April 27, 2022.

Under the new Measure No 2 on International Travel:

1. No person, except citizens or permanent residences, are permitted to board an aircraft, vessel or vehicle bound for Papua New Guinea or otherwise enter Papua New Guinea, unless they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 using one of the vaccines listed in Schedule 2, unless they are under the age of 18.

2. For the purposes of paragraph 1, a person is considered fully vaccinated if they have received:
a. a single dose vaccine as listed in Schedule 2;
b. a second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccination as listed in Schedule 2;
c. received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines as listed in Schedule 2.

3. Travel operators or private organisations - as relevant - bringing persons into PNG will check all persons at check-in or before departure for the documents listed in Schedule 1, a person must not be allowed to board an aircraft, vessel or vehicle bound for PNG without these documents.

4. All incoming arrivals from the Philippines, China (including Hong Kong) and Singapore, except children under 5, shall be tested for COVID-19 on their day of arrival at the first port of arrival, the protocols and procedures for which are covered in Schedule 3.

5. Persons who test positive for COVID-19, shall have a second confirmatory PCR Test.

6. If a person tests positive for COVID-19 on the PCR test:
a. subject to paragraph 12, they shall be quarantined for 7 days at:
i. an approved quarantine facility (as listed in Schedule 4) the choice of which shall be the individual and at the individuals own cost; or
ii. at home, if the quarantine officer is satisfied that a person can safely isolate at home away from other persons (ie: in a self-contained house, unit or apartment).
b. the quarantine officer must provide in writing to the individual a notice that they are to quarantine; and
c. the quarantine officer must provide information in writing (provided by the relevant authorities) to the individual as to appropriate methods of travel to an approved quarantine facility or location; and
d. the relevant testing organisation shall notify the National Control Centre or the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary informing them of the positive test result.

7. A child (any person under the age of 18) who tests positive for COVID-19 shall be quarantined at home with a parent or guardian.

8. No incoming arrival who is required to be tested may leave the port of arrival without being tested except under the following circumstances:
a. approved in writing by the Controller to do so;
b. in the case of an emergency, as directed by authorised officers, including a member of the National Airports Authority or the Royal Papua New Guinean Constabulary; or
c. in the case of a medical emergency.

9. Any person who refuses to be tested in accordance with paragraph 4 or 5 shall at the discretion of the Controller:
a. be quarantined, details of this quarantine shall be conducted on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Controller and at the individuals own cost; or
b. returned to their original Port of Departure, at the individuals own cost.

10. Subject to paragraph 6 and 9, no incoming arrival shall be quarantined.

11. Authorised medical service providers shall test incoming arrivals on commercial flights subject to paragraph 4, for which the provider may charge up to K150 to an individual.

12. The responsibility for the testing of persons not arriving on commercial flights is on the organisation that is transporting the person, who must ensure that all arriving persons are tested and the organisation is to bear the cost of the testing.

13. All incoming arrivals shall be tested using Abbot Panbio Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Tests (Ag-RDT).

14. For the purpose of these Measures, a person arriving into PNG on any aircraft is taken not to arrive in PNG if the person does not leave the aircraft or the immediate Vicinity of the aircraft for the purposes of conducting pre-flight inspections and refueling.

15. For the purpose of these Measures, a person arriving into PNG on any vessel is taken not to arrive in PNG if the person does not leave the vessel.

16. The Controller may exempt a person from some or all of the International Travel Measures, at his sole discretion and subject to conditions he imposes.

17. A person or organisation that allows a person to board an aircraft bound for PNG in breach of these Measures shall be deemed to have committed an offence under the National Pandemic Act 2020.

18. A person that attempts to or does enter PNG in breach of these Measures shall be returned to their original port of departure at the cost of individual if they did not take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with these Measures.

19. These measures are in compliance with the COVID-19 measures issued by the International Civil Aviation Authority.

20. Authorised Officers shall ensure appropriate levels of surveillance and border monitoring systems are in place throughout the country for international travel and in particular at the traditional border crossing areas.

21. These Measures come into effect on 27 April 2022 and shall apply until the end of the Declaration of a Pandemic under the Act, or as varied or revoked by the Controller.

Approved for release by:
David Manning, MBE, OStJ, DPS, QPM
Commissioner of Police & Controller
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response

25/04/2022

Controller Manning issues new pandemic measure 9 on wearing of face masks

OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response
Joint Agency Task Force
Media Statement – Monday 25th April 2022

Commissioner of Police and Controller of the PNG National Pandemic Response David Manning today revoked previous Measure No.9 issued under the National Pandemic Act 2021 and replaced it with a new measure which becomes effective on April 22, 2022.

Under the new Measure No 9:

1. All persons should where possible wear masks to protect Papua New Guinea from COVID-19.

2. No person shall be permitted entry to, or otherwise remain within, any enclosed space within an Establishment as defined in paragraph 8, unless the person is wearing a Mask or Face Covering, in a manner which covers their mouth, nose and chin.

3. No person shall be permitted entry into an aircraft anywhere in PNG unless the person is wearing a Mask or Face Covering in a manner which covers their mouth, nose and chin.

4. No person shall remove their Mask or Face Covering whilst on an aircraft in PNG in a manner which covers their mouth, nose and chin, except in the case of an emergency.

5. The pilots of the plane are exempt from paragraphs 3 and 4.

6. The following persons are exempted from these Measures:
a. Children under 12;
b. Persons with underlying medical conditions which inhibit their ability to wear a Mask or Face Covering, including persons with physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability;
c. Persons who are unable to place or remove a Mask or Face Covering without assistance;
d. Persons undergoing dental treatment or other medical care to the extent that the procedure requires that no face covering may be worn;
e. Persons within an area of work designated for them and not for public access, and who can work in an environment whereby they are a minimum of 2 meters from any other person;
f. Persons participating in sporting activities;
g. When directed to remove the face covering to ascertain identity; and
h. During emergencies.

7. A person is exempted from these Measures if she or he removes their mask or face covering to eat, drink or take medication.

8. An establishment for the purpose of these measures are:
a. health facilities, including but not limited to hospitals, clinics and chemists; and
b. airports.

9. For the purpose of these Measures a Mask or Face Covering must cover the nose, mouth and chin, and includes any article of clothing including any paper or textile covering designed or made to be worn over the nose, mouth and chin to protect the wearer. It does not have to be medical grade, may be handmade and includes scarfs and bandanas.

10. For the purposes of these measures, a business, organisation or government department or agency who fails to take reasonable steps to ensure adherence to the Measures shall be deemed to have committed an offence under the National Pandemic Act 2020.

11. For the purpose of paragraph 15, reasonable steps shall include but are not limited to:
a. denying entry to persons not wearing a mask or face covering;
b. requesting a person to leave an Establishment if they are not wearing a Mask or Face Covering and are not exempted by these Measures from wearing a Mask or Face Covering;
c. providing a Mask or Face Covering to employees and making it the company or organisation’s mandatory policy that Masks and Face Coverings are worn in compliance with these Measures.

12. An individual or organisation who fails to adhere to the Measure shall be deemed to have committed an offence under the National Pandemic Act 2020.

13. Non-compliance with this Measure should be reported to an authorised officer or the Provincial Police Commander.

14. Any Authorised Officer(s) appointed by the Controller pursuant to the Act, shall carry out and enforce the measures accordingly.

15. These Measures come into effect on 22 April 2022 and shall apply until the end of the Declaration of a pandemic under the Act, or as varied or revoked by the Controller.

Approved for release by:
David Manning, MBE, OStJ, DPS, QPM
Commissioner of Police & Controller
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response

18/03/2022

Controller Manning issues new pandemic measure

OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response
Joint Agency Task Force
Media Statement – Friday 18th March 2022

Commissioner of Police and Controller of the PNG National Pandemic Response David Manning today revoked previous Measure No.2 issued under the National Pandemic Act 2021 and replaced it with a new measure which becomes effective on March 21, 2022.

Key changes to Measure 2 include:
1. The definition of fully vaccinated has been changed to remove the requirement of a booster and the timeframe of being vaccinated within 6 months; and
2. Requirements for entry into PNG by boat/cruise ships etc are included. Under the new measure, a passenger or crew who travel to PNG on a cruise ship etc, do not have to have a test within 72 hours of boarding, however they do have to test on arrival. The requirements for arrival by plane do not change.

Under the new Measure No 2:

1. No person, except citizens or permanent residences, are permitted to board an aircraft, vessel or vehicle bound for Papua New Guinea or otherwise enter Papua New Guinea, unless they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 using one of the vaccines listed in Schedule 2, unless they are under the age of 18.

2. For the purposes of paragraph 1, a person is considered fully vaccinated if they have received:
a. A single dose vaccine as listed in Schedule 2;
b. A second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccination as listed in Schedule 2;
c. Received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines as listed in Schedule 2;

3. Travel operators or private organisations - as relevant - bringing persons into PNG will check all persons at check-in or before departure for the documents listed in Schedule 1, a person must not be allowed to book a flight or board an aircraft, vessel or vehicle bound for PNG without the documents applicable to their mode of travel.

4. Subject to paragraph 5, 6 and 7, no person is permitted to board an aircraft bound for PNG unless:
a. They have been tested for COVID-19 within a 72-hour period prior to boarding at their first port of departure to PNG; and
b. Have returned a result indicating they do not have detectable levels of COVID-19.

5. For the purposes of paragraph 4, only Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) shall be accepted.

6. Children aged five years and under are not required to be tested in accordance with paragraph 4.

7. For the purposes of paragraph 4 and 8:
a. If a person has within the last 3 months tested positive for COVID-19; and
b. Their COVID-19 test result required under paragraph 4 and 9 is positive;

a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner from their country of departure, certifying that the person is no longer infectious for COVID-19 shall be accepted in lieu of a negative COVID-19 test result.

8. All incoming arrivals, except children under 5, shall be tested for COVID-19 on their day of arrival at the first port of arrival, the protocols and procedures for which are covered in Schedule 3.

9. Persons who test positive for COVID-19, shall have a second confirmatory PCR Test.

10. If a person tests positive for COVID-19 on the PCR test:
a. Subject to paragraph 7, they shall be quarantined for 7 days at:
i.) An approved quarantine facility (as listed in Schedule 4) the choice of which shall be the individual and at the individuals own cost; or
ii.) At home, if the quarantine officer is satisfied that a person can safely isolate at home away from other persons (ie: in a self-contained house, unit or apartment).
b. The quarantine officer must provide in writing to the individual a notice that they are to quarantine; and
c. The quarantine officer must provide information in writing (provided by the relevant authorities) to the individual as to appropriate methods of travel to an approved quarantine facility or location; and
d. The relevant testing organisation shall, notify the National Control Centre or the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary informing them of the positive test result.

11. A child (any person under the age of 18) who tests positive for COVID-19 shall be quarantined at home with a parent or guardian.

12. No incoming arrival may leave the port of arrival without being tested except under the following circumstances:
a. Approved in writing by the Controller to do so;
b. In the case of an emergency, as directed by authorised officers, including a member of the National Airports Authority or the Royal Papua New Guinean Constabulary; or
c. In the case of a medical emergency.

13. Any person who refuses to be tested in accordance with paragraph 8 shall at the discretion of the Controller:
a. Be quarantined, details of this quarantine shall be conducted on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Controller and at the individual’s own cost; or
b. Returned to their original Port of Departure, at the individual’s own cost.

14. Subject to paragraph 6 and 9, no incoming arrival shall be quarantined.

15. ISOS shall test all incoming arrivals on commercial flights coming from Australia.

16. Trakpro shall test all other incoming arrivals arriving on commercial flights, for which they may charge up to K200 to an individual required to be tested upon arrival.

17. The responsibility for the testing of persons not arriving on commercial flights is on the organisation that is transporting the person, who must ensure that all arriving persons are tested and the organisation is to bear the cost of the testing.

18. All incoming arrivals shall be tested using Abbot Panbio Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Tests (Ag-RDT).

19. For the purpose of these Measures, a person arriving into PNG on any aircraft is taken not to arrive in PNG if the person does not leave the plane or the immediate vicinity of the aircraft for the purposes of conducting pre-flight inspections and refueling.

20. For the purpose of these Measures, a person arriving into PNG on any vessel is taken not to arrive in PNG if the person does not leave the vessel.

21. The Controller may exempt a person from some or all, of the International Travel Measures, at his sole discretion and subject to conditions he imposes.

22. A person or organisation that allows a person to board an aircraft bound for PNG in breach of these Measures shall be deemed to have committed an offence under the National Pandemic Act 2020.

23. A person that attempts to or does enter PNG in breach of these Measures shall be returned to their original port of departure at the cost of individual if they did not take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with these Measures.

These measures are in compliance with the COVID-19 measures issued by the International Civil Aviation Authority.

Authorised Officers shall ensure appropriate levels of surveillance and border monitoring systems are in place throughout the country for international travel and in particular at the traditional border crossing areas.

These Measures come into effect on 21 March 2022 and shall apply until the end of the Declaration of a Pandemic under the Act, or as varied or revoked by the Controller.

Approved for release by:
David Manning, MBE, OStJ, DPS, QPM
Commissioner of Police & Controller
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response

15/02/2022

Controller Manning issues new pandemic measures – pandemic approvals no longer required to enter PNG

OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response
Joint Agency Task Force
Media Statement – Tuesday 15th February 2022

The Commissioner of Police and Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response issued 10 new pandemic measures which come into effect tomorrow, Wednesday February 16, 2022.

The key changes to the measures are mainly in the international and domestic travel and social measures.

For international travel:
1. Tourists may now travel to PNG;
2. Pandemic Approvals are no longer required to enter PNG;
3. All persons must be fully vaccinated to travel to PNG, unless they are under 18 years of age or are a citizen of Papua New Guinea. A person is considered fully vaccinated if they have had the recommended number of doses for the vaccine as listed in Schedule 2, within the past 6 months; or they have had the recommended number of doses for the vaccine, as listed in Schedule 2 and they have had a booster vaccine;
4. All persons travelling to PNG must have a valid COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to their original port of departure. Children aged 5 years and under are exempted from being tested;
5. All people arriving into PNG will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival;
6. If a person has within the last three months tested positive for COVID-19, a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner from their country of departure, certifying that the person is no longer infectious for COVID-19 shall be accepted but the individual must still be tested prior to leaving their port of departure within 72 hours and be tested on arrival;
7. There shall be no quarantine for any person, except for persons who test positive on arrival who shall be quarantined for 7 days; and
8. It is the responsibility of travel operators to make sure that a person has the necessary documents to board an aircraft/vessel to travel to PNG.

For domestic travel:
• No person may fly if they are symptomatic for COVID-19;
• All travelers must have their temperature checked by airline staff and no person may travel if their temperature registers at or over 37.5C (except for medivac and emergency flights); and
• All passengers must complete a National Department of Health form which is to be submitted to Provincial Health Authority on arrival.

Changes to the social measures include:
• Public gatherings are restricted to 100 people, however religious gatherings, schools, educational institutions, markets and shopping centers and political gatherings are exempted from the gathering restrictions but must comply with Niupla Pasin;
• All organisations, including religious and political organisations must develop standard operating safety procedures for COVID-19;
• No sale of alcohol on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nationwide will continue to apply; and
• COVID-19 restrictions no longer apply to public transport.

The new measures (which will be posted on our website - https://covid19.info.gov.pg/ ) come into effect on February 16 and will remain in force until the duration of the pandemic or otherwise as decided by the Controller.

Approved for release by: David Manning, MBE, OStJ, DPS, QPM
Commissioner of Police & Controller
PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response

National Control Centre for Covid-19

30/03/2023

17/10/2022

06/08/2022

09/05/2022

04/05/2022

27/04/2022

25/04/2022

18/03/2022

15/02/2022

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