Thursday 3 August 2020 9:12pm
Controller of the National Pandemic Response, David Manning, today confirmed another case in Morobe Province, the fifth reported COVID-19 case for the province.
The case is a 53-year-old male who is a close contact of the recently confirmed case in the province.
He is one of two cases reported by the National Pandemic Control Centre .
The second case of the day is a 28-year-old male from East Boroko suburb.
Both persons have no history of overseas travel.
These two cases bring the total number of confirmed cases to 271.
“Today we have reviewed the test results and number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is 271 and not 287 as reported in the media yesterday.
“Yesterday our laboratories completed 207 tests from NCD, West Sepik, New Ireland, Eastern Highlands, Central, Milne Bay and Manus.
“Of those, two have returned positive. This brings the total numbers of test completed to date to 12,127,” Mr Manning said.
Meanwhile there are 179 persons of interests in quarantine. These include citizens and residents who have returned from overseas.
Other persons include national and international staff of mining companies who have been quarantined at their respective mine sites.
The Rita Flynn Isolation Centre continues to receive COVID-19 cases. Currently there are 21 inpatients which include 18 mild and eight moderate cases.
To date, the centre has admitted a total of 137 cases and discharged 124.
Port Moresby General Hospital Isolation Centre which has been caring for severe cases, is currently nursing 3 mild and 3 moderate cases.
“We all have a role to play in stopping COVID-19. Help protect those who are most vulnerable and at risk. Do not share personal items with others, such as toothbrushes, towels, bed linens, utensils or electronic devices,” said Mr Manning.
Mr Manning has encouraged every Papua New Guinean to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
“This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sink using bleach and water”
He said it is important that media and educated Papua New Guineans help to spread correct health preventative messages.