The measures were decided by a meeting of the Morobe Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, and came into effect on Monday this week.

 

All trade stores and shops will close at 5pm daily, or earlier, while Saturday and Sunday trading will close at 4pm

 

"Any trade store or shop open after these hours will have their business shut down for 30 days and other state of emergency fines and penalties will apply.

 

All public motor vehicles with passengers are to be off the roads by 6pm daily, fuel stations are to close at 6pm daily and police will disperse large groups of people at bus stops.

 

Public motor vehicles must have a maximum of 15 passengers per vehicle to allow enough space for social distancing and "deliberate disobedience by PMV drivers will be severely dealt with".

 

"All retail sales of alcohol are banned throughout this Code Orange safety lockdown period and any retail operator selling alcohol through this period will have their store shut down for 30 days and state of emergency penalties and fines may apply.

 

Restaurants and clubs may sell alcohol over the bar only for drinking on the premises only, no takeaways are permitted. All restaurants and bars are to be closed by 9pm daily.

 

All church leaders, pastors and priests are advised to cease group services and encourage your members to pray at home - there are too many church gatherings still occurring. "Older people who go to church are at higher risk of contracting coronavirus if we have an outbreak. As Ieaders, you are responsible for their safety. There should be no services or prayer groups of more than five people."

 

Sporting events, bars and gambling houses are to shut until further notice.

 

Haus krai and customary obligations are limited to five people.