
National Pandemic Response Controller David Manning (right) during today’s COVID-19 update press briefing with Health Secretary Dr Osborne Liko (photo credit: PM’s Media Unit)
Controller of the National Pandemic Response, David Manning, has commended the business community for imposing the strict no-mask-no-entry policy in shops, restaurants and other businesses.
He however expressed concern that government offices around the country were not following suit, and reminded public servants and departmental heads that masks are mandatory to gain access to public offices and public facilities .
Mr Manning made these remarks during a press briefing on COVID-19 this afternoon at Morauta Haus, Waigani, adding that departments who fail to comply will be penalised in accordance with the new measures that were recently announced. The military is currently involved in ensuring that large crowds are dispersed around the city. Meantime, Mr Manning also praised the public for making extra efforts to wearing masks.
“Again I want our people to take personal responsibility for your safety and your actions. “Our aim is to minimize inter provincial travels and this has been met with a bit of resistance, but I am convinced we will meet our objectives in curtailing the transmission.” Mr. Manning added that with the current surge in COVID-19 cases, “we endeavor to look at our domestic measures as well as our international travels, both arrivals and departures with a view to restricting movements across the borders.”