A lockdown will be enforced in Ontong Java as soon as legal instruments are in order.
Sources say this could be as early as Monday, as government seeks to contain possible cases of COVID-19 on the islands.
Suspected positive cases are close contacts of the 10 people who illegally entered our borders on Sunday 9th of January 2022 and landed at Pelau village, Ontong Java from Tasman Island of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
Currently the entire Ontong Java is a ‘NO-GO zone’ with only authorized personnel allowed to enter or leave Ontong Java.
The Health Ministry have advised families of people that have tested positive for COVID-19 to stay at home to limit further spread.
They advise that only one person per household may leave home to buy food or seek medical attention should the need arise.
All activities that involve gathering of people are immediately suspended as part of the upcoming lockdown. If someone in your family develops fever, cough, or runny nose, immediately isolate this person, and inform the nurse on Pelau Island.
Border communities are once again advised to refrain from making contact with any persons entering our borders illegally from another country and report them to police, health, and other relevant authorities for necessary actions.
With MHMS