Papua New Guinea: Authorities issue additional COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of March 11 /update 27

Event

Papua New Guinea has slightly strengthened restrictions nationwide due to rising COVID-19 activity as of March 11. Authorities have restricted public gatherings to 50 people; officials may provide exceptions with a plan to enforce social distancing measures. People must wear face coverings at all indoor locations, including offices and government agencies, public transport, and airplanes, nationwide, except if under 12 years old or while eating. The government is requiring businesses and public transport operators to deny entry to people without face coverings. All companies with indoor operations must provide workers with face coverings and ensure their use. Officials require businesses and social venues to adhere to social distancing measures, including maintaining 1.5 meters (5 feet) between patrons. All nightclubs and bars remain closed indefinitely; establishments that sell takeaway alcohol sales can only operate Monday-Friday.

Interprovincial travel remains unrestricted; however, authorities limit capacity to 15 people on 25-30-seat vehicles, five people for other public transport, including vessels. Officials allow domestic flights for essential reasons, such as student or essential business travel, medical assistance or evacuation, or people returning to their usual residence. Passengers must complete a National Department of Health form to submit to provincial authorities upon landing. Provincial officials can also request that arrivals from other parts of Papua New Guinea take a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test and quarantine people who refuse to test for up to 14 days at their own cost. The Bougainville government no longer requires passengers to seek approval from the Bougainville State of Emergency Controller before travel; however, inbound travelers must obtain a COVID-19 Medical Clearance via a negative RT-PRC test 48-72 hours before departure. If testing is unavailable, officials require a certificate from a medical officer confirming the passenger does not have any COVID-19 symptoms.

The government continues to restrict ports of entry to Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport (POM) and Motueka Port and maritime ports in Lae, Kimbe, Madang, and Rabaul. The land border with Indonesia and traditional maritime border crossings remain closed. Authorities have increased military deployments to border areas, though some illegal crossings are likely ongoing. International flights are possible from Australia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Micronesia, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Samoa, Palau, and Niue on specific carriers. However, exceptions are possible with government approval.

Travel Restrictions
All travelers - including Papua New Guinea nationals and permanent residents - must obtain written approval from the National Pandemic Controller's Office before entry. Inbound passengers must receive a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test within seven days of travel and complete an e-Health Declaration Form within 24 hours of boarding flights. Officials may deny entry to passengers suspected of having COVID-19 or quarantine them in government facilities, depending on the severity of the symptoms. No traveler can enter the country via land and maritime border crossings.

Officials continue health screenings for all arrivals, and inbound passengers must quarantine for 14 days at designated hotels in Port Moresby. Authorities will allow couples and families on the same flight and a patient and caregiver to quarantine together. The government has authorized hotels to hold passengers' passports during the quarantine period. Diplomats or visitors using official passports can self-quarantine at a residence for two weeks with advance permission. Authorities require all inbound passengers, including citizens and permanent residents, to pay for quarantine. The measure includes the cost of electronic tracking devices for people permitted to self-quarantine at home. Officials may require additional COVID-19 PCR tests during quarantine; individuals that decline further testing could face an additional 14 days in quarantine at their own expense. Authorities could issue fines of up to PGK 50,000 (USD 14,144) and seek prison sentences of up to seven years for people violating quarantine orders.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Prepare to discuss and provide evidence for recent travel history. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

Resources

National Control Centre For COVID-19
Ministry of Health
National Airports Corporation
Air Niugini