Saturday 5 September 2020
Papua New Guinea confirmed nine new cases of COVID-19 today: three from East Sepik and six from the National Capital District, bringing the country’s total to 488 confirmed cases.
East Sepik has become the 13th province to report COVID-19, and all cases were detected in Wewak.
On the other hand, the six cases reported in NCD live in three different districts, and work at various commercial establishments, including at a shopping mall and a hotel.
When announcing today’s new cases of COVID-19, the Controller of the National Pandemic Response Mr David Manning has sent out a warning to the city residents not to let their guard down while moving around in the city.
“The virus is in the city and moving around with people. Take precautions, avoid crowded places and wearing a mask in shops, markets and public places must be a new normal for everyone. Do not wait until something happens to you or your family before you take action,” Mr Manning said.
He also appealed to the business community to ensure they are following strict health and hygiene protocols, including provision for safe distancing.
As of today, the provinces of PNG with COVID-19 cases are: NCD (290); Western Province (174); Central Province (6); Morobe (5); East New Britain (2); Eastern Highlands (1); West Sepik (1); Southern Highlands Province (1); Autonomous Region of Bougainville (1); New Ireland Province (1); Milne Bay (1); West New Britain (2); and East Sepik (3).
The deaths remain at five, and recoveries at 232. The total number of active cases is 251.
Furthermore, a large proportion of people that tested positive with COVID-19 so far are male and aged between 30-49 years old.
Meanwhile, during the month of August, a total of 246 flights have been made domestically, while there were 71 international flights.
Out of the international flights, 26 of them were cargo flights bringing in essential supplies and materials for the country.
Globally, there are now more than 26 million COVID-19 cases, with more than 870,000 deaths.
There has been an increase of 288,922 confirmed cases in the last 24 hours.
Media contact: Chief Superintendent Dominic D. Kakas, BEM, DPS
COVID-19 Media & Public Information Joint Agency Task Force
Mobile: 75430557: Email: ddkakas@gmail.com