The entry point at Papua New Guinea's land border with Indonesia has been closed today due to the threat of deadly coronavirus.
The Wutung entry facility at the border between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea is an important trading access point. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
EMTV reports that the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority has ordered a temporary shutdown of the Wutung border post.
The post is the main thoroughfare to Indonesian-ruled West Papua.
No confirmed coronavirus infection has yet been reported in Indonesia or PNG.
However, quarantine checks are expected to be set up on both sides of the border before anyone is allowed entry.
Orders were also issued by PNG to have all online visas suspended including visas on arrival, and refusal for entry for travellers from any Asian ports.
Furthermore, all PNG nationals re-entering PNG from Asian countries are reportedly to go through mandatory checks and health department requirements.