PNG citizens and residents stranded abroad to be quarantined at hotels when they return home

Papua New Guineans and residents stranded overseas can return home but will be quarantined at hotels for 14 days upon arrival in Port Moresby.

State of Emergency Controller David Manning

The state of emergency controller and Police Commissioner David Manning issued a notice last weekend.

The quarantine is to ensure they are carefully managing returning persons against the threat of Covid-19 being brought to the country.

“As such the government is considering paying for returning citizens to be quarantined at hotels around Port Moresby,” Manning said in the statement.

“I am contacting hotels that have previously expressed interest, regarding whether they are prepared to be part of this scheme.’

Hotels have been asked to put a proposal forward as to how they would manage and quarantine foreign persons coming to the country.

Manning has set out conditions for hotels willing to house PNG citizens and permanent residents returning to PNG.

Among the conditions, cost per person to be K340 per night inclusive of meal and water with the government to pay for the costs.

The government shall indemnify the hotel for any damage caused by the guests however with conditions that evidence of the state of the room before the guest took occupancy and damage caused shall be produced before any payment is made.

Manning said if someone develops Covid-19 symptoms the person is to be kept in the room and should not leave unless authorised in writing by himself or an exception would be if there is an emergency.

All quarantine persons should have access to TV and WiFi to be provided included in the cost of the room.

The remaining conditions were that hotels spot inspections shall be conducted to ensure there is compliance and failure to adhere to directions issued shall result in prosecution of an individual staff and if the hotel has not taken reasonable steps, then the hotel group shall be prosecuted.

The hotels were to be responsible for the guests quarantine and have a guard at each floor.

Manning said the floors were to be locked off with only authorised persons to access the floor.

For hotels that are unable to be locked off by floor, a security proposal must be submitted.

Three Members of Parliament are among 600 Papua New Guineans stranded abroad.