SYDNEY, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Papua New Guinea (PNG) has lifted domestic flight restriction, curfew in the nation's capital area, opened further to international flights as part of a broader relaxation of its COVID-19 containing measures announced on Monday.
The National Pandemic Response Controller David Manning said in a statement the international flights now are open to Singapore, China's Hong Kong, Japan and the Solomon Islands, in addition to previously approved Australia.
However, the passengers still need approval from the Controller's office and a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing result for COVID-19 before they can enter PNG.
Other changes included the reduced quarantine period of seven days for passengers from selected neighbouring countries and those passengers can choose home quarantine providing that they get approval from the controller.
While the curfew in the nation's capital, Port Moresby, had been removed, other COVID-19 controlling measures still remain in force, including the mandatory wearing of face masks in the National Capital District, according to the statement.
All the changes became effective as of Oct. 3.
"Whilst I have removed some of the restrictions and relaxed or eased others, I urge everyone not to let their guard down," Manning said.
"We must continue to be vigilant and observe all COVID-19 protocols. COVID-19 is here in PNG and will be around at least for the next year or so."
Till Monday, PNG recorded 541 COVID-19 cases in total, while the virus-related deaths remained at seven. Enditem
