“With the South Pacific Division banning all expat travel, the Australian government calling all citizens home and shutting down most overseas travel, along with many airlines canceling or severely restricting flights, and PNG banning all except specialised personnel, AAS can no longer operate,” Dunn said.

A skeleton staff continues to work in accounts and security and to provide basic care for the hangar and aircraft.

Dunn has asked for prayers for the staff impacted by the shutdown.

Meanwhile, the Covid-19 outbreak continues to cause disruptions across the South Pacific Division including at Fulton College in Fiji, which encouraged all students to return home if they were able.

The administration and staff at Fulton have been in constant contact with authorities in developing their response plan.

On campus, the staff continues to supervise approximately 170 students from across the Pacific, as well as students who cannot go home because of the Lautoka exclusion zone.

Access to the college is restricted to essential services and visitors are granted entry only if they receive approval by college administration.

In Vanuatu, the country’s president, Obed Moses Tallis, declared a state of emergency on 26 March which closed all churches. Members are worshiping in their homes. The Vanuatu mission office closed until 14 April.