Papua New Guinea officials will tighten internal border controls, restrict personal movement, and enforce mask wearing in public from next week, as the country confronts a steep rise in COVID-19 infections.

Officials in the Pacific island nation of 9 million people also said they would bar mass gatherings, close schools and may order burials in a “designated mass grave” as part of sweeping measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

PNG has recorded a spike in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, with hundreds of new daily cases. Total cases stand at just under 2500 and deaths at 31, but health officials believe the true numbers are likely much higher.

The social distancing measures being imposed from Monday would remain in force until the end of the declaration of the pandemic, unless revoked earlier by officials, PNG pandemic response controller David Manning said in a statement.

“Authorised officers” would be tasked with enforcing compliance and anybody found breaching the rules could be penalised without providing further detail.

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Though far-reaching, the measures do not include strict stay-home orders and border closures.

The ban on public gatherings of more than 10 people includes exemptions for religious gatherings of up to 50 if worshippers follow social distancing requirements. Shops can open 13 hours a day and restaurants 15 hours.

Domestic flights are allowed if travellers undertake temperature checks and produce a negative COVID-19 test result. Travel between the country’s 22 provinces can continue for essential business, healthcare and returning home.