Monday 9 November 2020
Papua New Guinea’s COVID-19 National Pandemic Response Controller Mr David Manning has cautioned the public and the health workers against complacency with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures.
“I remind the public that COVID-19 continues to be a threat to our people and we need to remain vigilant in keeping safe distance from others, wearing of face masks in public places and maintaining hygiene measures such as hand washing. Let us remain responsible in looking after our health,” Mr Manning said.
The Pandemic Controller also reminded health facilities and hospitals to continue to screen everyone who enters the premises in order to keep health workers and patients safe.
“We have noted that some health facilities have stopped screening people and this can put our health workers and patients at risk.
“I strongly urge our frontline health workers to remember the basic infection prevention and control measures and never let your guard down,” Mr Manning said.
Faith-based groups including PNG churches are also being urged to continue to advocate the Niupela Pasin or new normal.
“Cleanliness is Godliness and the COVID-19 health protocols basically promoted this behaviour.”
Meanwhile, globally, since the start of the outbreak, there have been a total 50,721,335 confirmed cases and the death toll stands at 1,261,733.
There was an increase of 471,267 confirmed cases in the last 24 hours.
In the Western Pacific Region, a total of 12 countries/territories had confirmed cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total confirmed cases for the region to 769,882 cases and 16,000 deaths.
Papua New Guinea, to date, has 599 COVID-19 cases, with seven deaths. There have been 586 people who have recovered whilst there are six active cases that are being isolated.
Fifteen provinces (including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville) have confirmed COVID-19 cases:
| Provinces | Confirmed Cases |
| NCD | 346 |
| Western Province | 203 |
| Eastern Highlands | 13 |
| West New Britain | 10 |
| Central | 7 |
| Morobe | 5 |
| East Sepik | 3 |
| Milne Bay | 2 |
| East New Britain | 2 |
| Enga | 2 |
| New Ireland | 2 |
| West Sepik | 1 |
| Southern Highlands | 1 |
| AROB | 1 |
| Hela Province | 1 |
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