The directive was made in the wake of the second wave of Covid-19 in India and the emergence of the Indian variant of the virus.

 

According to the directive, no person is permitted to board an aircraft or ship bound for PNG from any foreign point of departure or airport if that person has been in India in the past 21 days before the day the vessel or aircraft departed on its journey to PNG.

 

Manning added that any person or organisation allowing individuals to board an aircraft bound for PNG in breach of the directive could be prosecuted under the National Pandemic Act, 2020.

 

The directive would remain in force during the duration of the pandemic.