A team conducting Covid-19 awareness in Papua New Guinea's West Sepik province has been charged after fighting with members of the public.
Vanimo, West Sepik province, Papua New Guinea. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Police said the two member team was drunk while providing awareness in Vanimo.
Provincial Police Commander Moses Ibsagi said the awareness officers provoked the crowd by swearing at them while telling them to wear masks and to maintain social distancing.
He said three youths in the crowd abused the officers for conducting awareness while drunk.
The National newspaper reported the officers then attacked the youths with a fan belt.
The crowd retaliated, attacking the officers and throwing stones at their vehicle.
The officers were then arrested and charged under the Pandemic Act.
Mr Ibsagi said only a sober mind should conduct Covid-19 awareness, to help the illiterate prevent the spread of the virus.