On 20 March, the first case in Papua New Guinea was confirmed.
April 2020
On 7 April, Papua New Guinea confirmed its second case of COVID-19. On 16 April, the PNG government confirmed five new COVID-19 cases. On 23 April, an elderly woman of age 45 from Eastern Highlands Province was confirmed to be infected. The tally now stands at 8 cases in Papua New Guinea.
May 2020
On 4 May, acting Health Secretary Dr Paison Dakulala reported that all known cases have recovered, but stresses that they don't know what they are fighting. 2,400 tests have been carried out with the bulk in Port Moresby.
June 2020
On 20 June, the PNG government confirmed its ninth COVID-19 case. On 25 June, PNG confirmed its tenth case of COVID-19, a 27-year old member of the PNG Defence Force. On 26 June, the PNG government confirmed its eleventh COVID-19 case.
July 2020
On 16 July, PNG confirmed four new cases of COVID-19; they are staff from the main laboratory that tests for the virus. On 18 July, PNG confirmed its 16th case of COVID-19. On 19, July, PNG confirmed its first death, a woman who had breast cancer.. On 20 July, PNG confirmed two new cases of COVID-19. On 21 July, PNG confirmed eight new cases of COVID-19. On 22 July, PNG confirmed three new cases of COVID-19. On 23 July, PNG confirmed one new case of COVID-19. On 24 July, PNG confirmed its 32nd case of COVID-19. On 25 July, PNG confirmed seven new cases of COVID-19. On 26 July, PNG recorded its highest number of positive COVID-19 cases in a day, 23 new cases. On 27 July, PNG recorded its first death. On 28 July, PNG recorded its second death and a new case. On 29 July, PNG recorded four new cases. On 30 July, PNG recorded five new cases.
August 2020
On 1 August, PNG recorded 19 new cases. On 2 August, PNG recorded 19 new cases.
Prevention measures
The Government of Papua New Guinea banned all travellers from Asian countries and closed its border with Indonesia, taking effect from 30 January. On 16 April, due to additional confirmed cases in the National Capital District and the Western Province, the Emergency Controller issued National Emergency Order No. 16, effectively locking down the NCD. The order established an 8 pm to 6 am curfew, prohibited most public gatherings, limited groups to four people, banned public transportation, and suspended alcohol and Betel nut sales. The order also prohibits domestic air travel and closes public venues such as gambling halls, night clubs, sports and sports clubs, and religious services. On 3 May, the curfew for the |National Capital District and Central Province was lifted, alcohol restrictions have been lifted. Gatherings remain banned, social distancing measures have to be enforced, and washing hands before entering church services is mandatory. On 5 May, the schools reopened; however, some schools required face masks and others have sent their students back again. No cases have been reported in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The region has imposed flight restrictions on mainland PNG, however flights could only be approved charters or medevac trips till 13 August.
