Papua New Guinea: Officials to implement COVID-19 lockdown and curfew measures Bougainville Nov. 7-21 /update 41

Event

Papua New Guinea will impose lockdown measures in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville due to COVID-19 activity Nov. 7-21. Under the measures, a nightly 20:00-06:00 curfew will be in effect. The Buka, Kokopau, Arawa and Buin main markets must close. All other businesses and government offices may remain open with health protocols in place. Essential workers and shipping services may continue operations. All schools can open 08:00-14:00. Public transport can operate 07:00-15:00. Officials allow three weekly flights to Buka Airport (BUA) but only for returning residents and essential workers. Officials likely continue to ban entry through Nissan Island and Carteret Atolls. Arrivals must likely obtain a negative COVID-19 test result taken 48-72 hours before arrival to board flights to the region, regardless of vaccination status. Recreational venues such as nightclubs and gambling facilities likely remain closed in Arawa, Buin, and Buka.

Domestic Restrictions
Papua New Guinea continues to implement restrictions nationwide as of Nov. 6 amid ongoing COVID-19 activity. Gatherings of more than 20 people remain prohibited. People 12 years old or above must wear facemasks in public places, except childcare centers and banks. Social distancing rules and hygiene protocols remain in effect. Officials have permitted restaurants and gambling establishments to reopen provided they comply with strict health requirements.

As of Nov. 6, the government is classifying Central, Chimbu, Enga, Eastern Highlands, Hela, Jiwaka, Milne Bay, Northern, Southern Highlands, Western Highlands provinces as high risk. Although local officials can adjust measures based on COVID-19 activity, typical restrictions in high-risk regions include a ban on gatherings, a 14:00-06:00 curfew, and the closure of recreational venues and some nonessential and large retail businesses. The National Capital District (NCD) is also considered high risk, but officials have yet to implement more stringent controls. Most travel to and from high-risk areas is prohibited, except for essential reasons. Officials require any traveler departing high-risk areas to be fully vaccinated, and testing is mandatory for all arrivals and departures from affected areas. Inbound travelers must obtain entry permission from provincial administrators. Authorities have increased security, including roadblocks, on main roads linking high-risk provinces.

The government restricts interprovincial flights and other domestic travel, except for individuals with official permission or essential reasons. Transport may continue between Central Province and the National Capital District (NCD) and Kerema Open Electorate, Gulf Province. Officials limit capacity on public transport services. Police have threatened to impound any vehicle that violates capacity limits, though compliance and enforcement vary.

International Travel Restrictions
The government only permits citizens, permanent residents, and fully vaccinated foreign nationals to enter the country; tourist travel remains banned. Officials require all arrivals to obtain written approval from the National Pandemic Controller's Office before entering the country. Approval is valid for 60 days for a single entry. Inbound air passengers over the age of five must obtain a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel and complete an e-Health Declaration Form no more than 24 hours before departure.

Fully vaccinated travelers can enter the country without quarantine; however, passengers must undergo on-arrival testing and wait for the result before departing entry points. The measure does not apply to designated high-risk countries India and the Philippines. Any traveler that returns a positive test result must quarantine for 14 days at their own expense. Travelers must undergo COVID-19 testing during quarantine; individuals refusing testing must quarantine an additional 14 days. Authorities allow couples or families who have been on the same flight and caregivers and their patients to quarantine together. Hotel management is authorized to hold passengers' passports during the quarantine period. Violations of quarantine orders are punishable by fines of up to PGK 50,000 and/or up to seven years in prison.

Entry remains limited 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. International flights from Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Philippines are available on specific carriers, though Air Niugini (PX) conducts most international flights. Some repatriation flights have occurred from other countries, though officials continue to suspend flights from India. Outbound international passengers must take a COVID-19 test before departure while at the airport. Passengers that test positive will have to remain in the country.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and medical appointments. 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