Police Commissioner and Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response David Manning has issued a direction banning all traditional border crossings with immediate effect on Wednesday March 24 as the country’s COVID-19 confirmed cases went over 4,000.

Under the new direction issued by Mr Manning:

· The land and sea borders between Papua New Guinea and Australia, Indonesia and Solomon Islands are to remain closed;

· All cross-border travel between Western Province and Torres Strait, including traditional Treaty Village travel, accept as authorized in writing by the Controller is banned; and

· PNG Treaty Villages shall seek medical treatment at Mabaduan clinic or Daru General Hospital.

Mr Manning further directed that the borders will remain closed for an indefinite period and cross-border travel will not be allowed until further notice.

He said COVID-19 virus transmission within our community is alarming and it is important that the PNG Government continues to take strong measures to protect the health of its people.

(Direction attached.)