Papua New Guinea: Authorities expand COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of Jan. 19 /update 25

Event

Papua New Guinea has intensified coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions nationwide due to ongoing transmission in the country as of Jan. 19. All businesses and social venues must adhere to social distancing measures, including maintaining 1.5 meters (5 feet) of space between patrons. Authorities now require face coverings at all indoor locations, including offices and government agencies, on public transport, and airplanes, nationwide, with exceptions while eating or drink and for children under 12 years old, among others. 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. Tighter measures, including a curfew and travel restrictions, are ongoing in West New Britain Province through at least Jan. 22.

Interprovincial travel remains unrestricted, and authorities have lifted most limitations on domestic flights. However, 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 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 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. The government prohibits travelers from several countries from applying to enter the country under tightened border controls. As of Jan. 19, all travelers who have visited the UK, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, South Africa, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, French Guiana, Chile, Nigeria, the US, Canada, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, UAE, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia within 30 days cannot apply to enter, without exception from the government. Authorities could adjust affected countries at short notice. 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 14,224) 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