Prime Minister James Marape said the two-month extension was enough time to put in place the protocols to safeguard the country in terms of the economy and people's health.

 

"In the two months up to the end of the state of emergency, we want our country under control, with measures in place on how to live with Covid-19 for the rest of the year. Covid-19 doesn't move itself, people move it. So the whole idea is to stop unnecessary people movement."

 

Marape said the country's health system had neither the capability nor capacity to contain the pandemic.

 

He said the extension should give the police commissioner David Manning ample evidence that his orders were being followed by everyone around the country.

 

"I know some orders are causing inconvenience but please bear with us because it will take only one or two uncontrolled movements to cause the Covid-19 to propagate and grow in our country," Marape said.

 

Schools are scheduled to reopen on April 27 but this may still come under review.