Bougainville Update

Health – The Bougainville Health Response Team this week is focused on reviewing their plans and activities against the COVID-19 response.

This includes continuous monitoring of the COVID-19 risk level for Bougainville against national and global measures. The Health Secretary explained that as this risk level reduces, the Bougainville Emergency Controller will be advised accordingly to relax emergency orders as we progress.

With the resumption of schools in Bougainville starting this week, the Bougainville Health Response Team will be visiting all schools in the region to carry out inspections and ensure that all schools are in compliance with the ABG Department of Education Checklist for Protocols in Schools.

The Team will also be conducting training and awareness for teachers who have been appointed as focal points for dealing with possible COVID-19 cases in schools.

The Health Secretary further appealed to all Bougainvilleans to work together with the Bougainville Health Response Team to ensure we remain protected from the coronavirus.

SOE – The Bougainville Emergency Controller and Chief of Bougainville Police Service has begun to relax some of the orders issued under the emergency period.

In the last week, revised orders for business trading hours, resumption of classes and work for public servants were issued.

This week the Controller has issued supplementary orders 2 on the revocation of orders on operation of restaurants and food bars.

The supplementary orders are:

Order. 14 of Emergency Order 2 in relation to ban of bakeries, fast foods and takeaway outlets are revoked for the following restaurants and food bars;

Kukul Beach Front Club;
Tamari Foods (both restaurant and bakery);
Hot Rooster;
Boots Camp;
Lynchar Hotel;
Malabolo Food Bar; and
Kuri Village Resort Restaurant

These orders are effective as of Monday 11 May 2020.

The Controller explained that these bakeries, fast foods and takeaway outlets are only in North Bougainville as they have met health department standards and have been inspected by the health authorities.

The Health Department has also been directed to provide health standards to all bakeries, fast foods and takeaway outlets that they will have to follow as part of the ‘new normal’ beyond the end of the state of emergency.

The Controller also clarified that alcohol is still restricted and those who are found to be selling, consuming, distributing or producing any form of alcohol will be dealt with under the SOE.

Meanwhile, an appeal has been made to all shop owners to ensure social distancing is practiced and maintained during trading hours.

Government – The Deputy Controller and Acting Chief Secretary thanked all Bougainvilleans for their continuous cooperation, support and patience so far in this emergency period.

The Deputy Controller reaffirmed the appeal for social distancing in public places, schools and work environments. He said social distancing must now be accepted as the ‘new normal’ and must be continuously maintained.

In strengthening internal links with National Bougainville Members of Parliament, the Deputy Controller met today with the Office of the National Member for North Bougainville, Hon. William Nakin.

The meeting discussed current plans and how both parties can mobilize and work collaboratively to improve partnership and implement tangible programs for the people.

The Deputy Controller thanked the National MP for North Bougainville for the support given towards the Bougainville COVID-19 response efforts including the Buka General Hospital Triage facility.

CALLS TO ACTION

Share the correct information amongst your families and communities, and if you want more information, see your local community health worker, or call the Bougainville Health Response Team Hotline number 74460830.

And finally, remember to practice the Five Preventive Measures at all times:

Maintaining social distance (a minimum of 1.5 meters)
Frequently washing hands using clean running water and soap, or alcohol-based hand rub
When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue — throw away used tissue immediately and wash hands
Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough
If you have fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, stay at home (self-isolate) to protect others and call the Bougainville Health Response Team Hotline Number 74460830.

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