Friday 4 September 2020
Papua New Guinea today confirmed eight new cases of COVID-19 , all from the Western Province.
To date, the country has 479 total confirmed cases.
The new cases are from the Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML). One case has fever and cough and seven are asymptomatic.
A joint team composed of surveillance and case management experts from the National Department of Health and World Health Organization (WHO) have been deployed to the Western Province since 1 September to conduct field assessment and provide recommendations for outbreak response at the mine and in the province.
In announcing the new cases, Controller of the National Pandemic Response Mr David Manning said that OTML is continuing to test, isolate positive cases, quarantine contacts, and maintain the lockdown in Tabubil in order to contain the outbreak.
To date, 12 of the country’s 22 provinces had reported positive cases. The death toll for PNG remains at 5 and the recoveries at 232. The total number of tests pending laboratory results is 240.
“Encouragingly, today’s update showed improvement in sample collection, with 13 provinces sending samples: National Capital District, West New Britain, Morobe, Hela, East Sepik, Western Highlands, Eastern Highlands, Enga, New Ireland, East New Britain, Central, Jiwaka and Gulf.
“I enjoin all provinces to enhance sample collection, and work with us to increase testing so we can quickly identify the virus and respond appropriately,” Mr Manning reiterated.
Mr Manning has reminded the public on the importance of adhering to health measures regardless of where you work or live.
“These measures are key to protecting the family and community.
“As the weekend comes, spend time with your family, avoid crowds and maintain physical distance from others by at least 1.5 metres.
“Wear face mask in public places and wear them properly,’’ said Mr Manning.
Media contact: Chief Superintendent Dominic D. Kakas, BEM, DPS
COVID-19 Media & Public Information Joint Agency Task Force
Mobile: 75430557 : Email: ddkakas@gmail.com