2 dead, EHP bans public gatherings

 News that matter in Papua New Guinea

 

Scientists say it is clear Delta is more severe than other COVID strains. (AP: Mark Baker)

Image for illustration only. For image info, go to https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-21/doherty-institute-vaccine-covid-modelling-delta-outbreaks/100477998

2 dead, EHP bans public gatherings

PORT MORESBY: Two Coronavirus (Covid-19) deaths and a spike in infection over the weekend have forced the government to enforce a blanket ban on public gatherings.

Eastern Highlands (EHP) Covid-19 Steering Committee chairman John Gimisive said the decision to enforce the ban on all public gatherings were made after a meeting on Monday (Sept 20, 2021).

The news break was reported by The National:

Province bans public gatherings

September 22, 2021The NationalMain Stories

THE Eastern Highlands (EHP) Coronavirus (Covid-19) Steering Committee has enforced a blanket ban on all public gatherings due to a spike in infections and deaths.
“We decided to enforce the ban after a meeting on Monday,” committee chairman John Gimisive said.
He said two Covid-19 deaths were reported during the Independence Day weekend and positive cases had shot up to 50 this month.
“The two deaths, plus the four last month bring the total death toll in the province to eight.
“There will be no nightclubs and common public gatherings in the province for an indefinite period.
“The safety of the people in the province is paramount,” he added.
Gimisive also apologised to the Goroka Show committee and the sponsors for the cancellation of the show during the weekend.
“The decision to cancel the show was to give priority to public health safety and saving human lives following recommendations by the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (EHPHA).
“I gave initial approval in July but the last minute decision was made in light of the increase in Covid-19 cases and recommendation of the EHPHA,” he added.
Meanwhile, Goroka MP Aiye Tambua was saddened by the cancellation of the Goroka Show.
“On behalf of my people of Goroka district, I felt for organisations and people who spent time, money, efforts and resources directly affected when the show was cancelled,”Tambua said.
He said the losses incurred by investors, sponsors, singsing groups, performers and the public at large particularly the show organising committees were irreplaceable.
“My apology to the Australia High Commission and members of other diplomatic corps who were bound to attend Goroka Show but the cancellation has stopped them.”

Tourism industry lost K500mil due to Covid-19, Uvovo says

September 22, 2021The NationalNational

THE tourism industry has lost around K500 million due to the impact of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), says Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) chief executive officer Eric Mossman Uvovo.
“PNG recorded a 82 per cent drop – 170,000 less arrivals compared to the 200,000 arrivals of international travellers in 2019,” Uvovo told a tourism convention yesterday at the University of PNG.
He said the tourism industry was the worst hit globally, with Asia-Pacific the most affected region.
“Global tourism suffered its worst year on record in 2020 with international arrivals dropping by 74 per cent (or one billion less in arrival according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organisation). The Asia and Pacific region suffered the most with an 84 per cent drop (or 300 million less international arrivals), followed by the Middle East and Africa.
“International arrivals worldwide continue to remain weak in 2021 and it is expected to slowly improve in 2022 and fully recover by 2024.” The TPA is using the National Development Plan 2022 -2026 to:

  • INCREASE visitor numbers;
  • INCREASE domestic visitor numbers;
  • STRENGTHEN product capacity and increase the number of tourism operators and suppliers;
  • IMPROVE the quality of tourism products and services;
  • STRENGTHEN tourism and regulations standard; and,
  • STRENGTHEN sector leadership, synergy and coordination.

The TPA plans to work with the two local airlines to provide discounts on domestic travel to remote parts of the country.

‘Encourage local tourism’

September 22, 2021The NationalNational

DOMESTIC tourism should be encouraged now when the tourism industry is being affected by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Isi Henry Leonard.
“The Covid-19 has awakened us to realise our full potential,” he told the University of PNG tourism convention yesterday.
“The answer is in culture and domestic tourism. We have to realign and re-strategise to get tourism up and going.
“You don’t need to look outside for answers.
“You need to look inside to address this global situation.
“Culture is the product to boost the tourism industry that is largely affected by pandemic.
“Anywhere there is a cultural event, we support it. I promote the culture of this country.”
Tourism Promotion Authority chief executive officer Eric Mossman Uvovo said plans were underway to boost domestic tourism.
He said domestic airports and flights were open with interest from locals and expatriates. Airline packages have been promoted.

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