Papua New Guinea: COVID-19 restrictions continue nationwide as of Jan. 4 /update 24

Event

Papua New Guinea continues to implement social-distancing measures nationwide due to ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Authorities continue to ban gatherings of more than 50 people. Religious congregations, sporting events, and markets are exempt from the restrictions, but these establishments must ensure adequate social distancing and that patrons observe safe hygiene practices. Residents in the National Capital District (NCD) must wear facemasks in indoor public areas and on public transport. Tighter measures, including a curfew and travel restrictions, are ongoing in West New Britain Province through at least Jan. 22. Companies must comply with government mandates to prevent the spread of COVID-19; directives may vary by industry and type of establishment. Food businesses can only provide alcohol with food orders. All nightclubs and bars remain closed indefinitely; takeaway alcohol sales can only occur Monday-Friday.

The government permits flights from Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and the Solomon Islands to Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport (POM). Authorities lifted all restrictions on domestic flights and removed the approval requirement before travel. However, the Bougainville government requires passengers to seek approval from the Bougainville State of Emergency Controller before travel and obtain a quarantine medical clearance certificate 48-72 hours before departure.

The land border with Indonesia remains closed, and officials have suspended traditional maritime border crossings in the region. Authorities have increased military deployments to border areas, though some illegal crossings are likely ongoing. Port Moresby's Motueka Port and ports in Rabaul, Morobe, and Madang are the only official maritime ports of entry for vessels and cargo shipments arriving in the country; however, all ports remain open for cargo handling.

Travel Restrictions
Most foreign nationals remain banned from entering the country. Permitted passengers - including Papua New Guinea nationals and permanent residents - must obtain written approval from the National Pandemic Controller's Office before entry. Authorities require arrivals to receive a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test within seven days of travel. No travelers can enter the country via land and sea border crossings. Immigration and customs officials also require health declarations and travel history information before allowing passengers into the country. Officials may deny entry to passengers suspected of having COVID-19 or quarantine them in government facilities, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Officials continue health screenings for all arrivals, and most inbound passengers must quarantine for 14 days in Port Moresby. However, the government allows passengers who have spent the previous seven days in Australia, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, and several South Pacific nations to undergo seven days of quarantine at designated facilities or home; travelers must seek permission to self-quarantine. Other returning citizens and permanent residents can stay at a designated hotel or a hotel of their choice. 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. Authorities could issue fines of up to PGK 50,000 (USD 14,040) 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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

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