Thursday 11 March 2021
Eighty-four new cases of COVID-19 were reported on Wednesday 10 March 2021, , bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in PNG to 1,819.
Controller of the National Pandemic Response, David manning confirmed that of the 84 new cases, 72 were recorded in the National Capital District; two in Morobe; one in East New Britain; three for Eastern Highlands; and Enga reported six cases.
Meanwhile, the isolation ward for COVID-19 patients at the Port Moresby General Hospital is full and many hospital staff are among the many already sick with the virus.
Long-time staff and senior gynecologist at the hospital Professor Glen Mola has posted on social media appealing to the people to listen and take heed of the health measures in the Niupela Pasin, saying the hospital COVID-19 ward is full.
“Patients are dying of COVID-19 every day. We are trying to look after COVID-19 patients in other wards because there is no space in the COVID ward,” Professor Mola said.
Prof Mola said in the maternity wing alone, 20 percent of women presenting with pregnancy problems or are in labor are testing positive with COVID-19.
Furthermore, he said while health workers are attending to patients they themselves are getting infected with COVID-19.
“Last week, 10 of them had to be isolated and if this trend continues it could lead to serious problems such as the closure of the hospital which will lead to chaos,” Professor Mola added.
Hospital staff including those at the Accident and Emergency have also made similar comments, adding, the situation of COVID-19 cases, is more serious than what they saw last year.
Mr Manning added that the confirmed number of deaths remain at 21.
The total confirmed cases for all the provinces that have so far reported cases are now as follows.
- NCD 830
- Western 324
- West New Britain 197
- West Sepik 159
- Morobe 55
- Madang 43
- Autonomous Region of Bougainville 39
- East New Britain 39
- Eastern Highlands 27
- Western Highlands 24
- New Ireland Province 23
- Central 20
- East Sepik 15
- Enga 10
- Jiwaka 8
- Southern Highlands 3
- Milne Bay 2
- Hela 1
The Controller of the National Pandemic Response and Police Commissioner Mr David Manning has appealed to people to adhere to the New Normal or Niupela Pasin.
These includes wearing facemasks at all times in the public, avoiding crowded places, practicing physical distance by standing or sitting 1.5m to 2m from the next person, covering your cough and washing hands often. If there is no water, use sanitizers if you have them.
Mr Manning has also appealed to people to avoid going out of the home if they are feeling unwell as they could be infected and pass the infection to others.
Globally, the total confirmed cases has reached 116,874,912 by Wednesday, of which 2,597,381 have died. The new deaths reported on Wednesday 10th of March was 6,573.
Media contact: Chief Superintendent Dominic D. Kakas, BEM, DPS
COVID-19 Media & Public Information Joint Agency Task Force
Mobile: 75430557 email: ddkakas@gmail.com
Police email: ddkakas.policemedia@gmail.com
COVID-19 JATF email: ddkakas.covid19media@gmail.com