New Covid-19 cases surge in Papua New Guinea ahead of restrictions

Melbourne: Papua New Guinea reported rising coronavirus infections on Saturday, continuing a surge that highlights the need for tougher social distancing restrictions taking effect on Monday.

Internal border controls will be tightened, personal movement restricted and mask-wearing made mandatory in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, which has been overwhelming the public health system. The authorities in the Pacific island nation of 9 million people said they will ban mass gatherings, close schools and may order burials in a "designated mass grave".