Tuesday 8 September 2020

Six new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were reported in Papua New Guinea in the last 24 hours, pushing the country’s total confirmed cases up to 503.

The six new cases came from the National Capital District (3), Western (1), Central (1) and Milne Bay (1). Following the new additions, NCD has now total confirmed cases of 293; Western, 184; Central, 7; and Milne Bay, 2.

In announcing the new cases, Controller of the National Pandemic Response Mr David Manning said the number of provinces sending reports is increasing.

“In the last 24 hours, a total of 15 provinces have sent reports on the number of suspected COVID-19 cases as well as the Influenza-like illnesses and Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses. But the number of samples being collected for COVID-19 is still critically low.

“I urge every citizen and resident of Papua New Guinea to remain vigilant. Follow the health protocols against COVID-19, which includes wearing masks in public places such as shops, banks, markets and in enclosed spaces. If it is not for you, it will be for someone else which could be your loved one,” Mr Manning said.

Meanwhile, globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 is now 27,475,333. There was an increase of 192,080 in the last 24 hours. The global death toll is 896,308.

While the Western Pacific Region where PNG sits has the lowest total confirmed cases of 521,828, there are countries that are still reporting new cases every day.

“So please I implore everyone to not only listen to the health messages but to actively practise them in your everyday settings.

“As simple as it seems by practising these health measures you are protecting yourselves and especially vulnerable members of your family from COVID-19,” Mr Manning said.