COVID-19 pandemic Papua New Guinea prepares a four-week lockdown in parts of the country, especially in Eastern Highlands as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, further complicated by the Delta variant. Prime Minister James Marape had anticipated the move before leaving for the United Nations General Assembly this week in New York City. The country also struggles with the vaccination campaign, with only 2% of the population vaccinated. PNG to announce lockdown in several provinces © RNZ Sources: RNZ