Cocoa and Vanilla Farmers in PNG to benefit from new Traceability System

PNG Commissioner of Police and Controller of the National Pandemic Response Mr David Manning has urged citizens to continue strict COVID-19 health protocols as global statistics reach 12 million confirmed cases with over 500,000 deaths in over three months.

Mr Manning said in the Western Pacific region there has been 2,009 confirmed cases in the past 24 hours with a total 236,000 cases since the pandemic with five new cases in Fiji.

“Papua and West Papua in neighbouring Indonesia have reported 33 new cases in the last 24 hours bringing the total number of cases to 2,340 and deaths at 24. Indonesia has a total 70,736 confirmed cases and 3,417 deaths so far.

COVID-19 has surpassed HIV/AIDS statistics in deaths with COVID-19 deaths reaching 551,000 over HIV/Aids with 499,432 deaths,” Mr Manning said.

He said these are disturbing statistics and reminds us again to remain vigilant and to strictly observe the rules of keeping safe distancing, avoid crowded places, cough into the arm, not rub facial area and to wash hands regularly.

He said the Health Department is continuing its surveillance and testings however the biggest challenge remains in that fear and stigma has resulted in limited testings and people need to get tested to protect themselves and their families if one is confirmed having COVID-19.

“We continue to advocate that if you feel unwell, you must go for medical check-up and also that citizens must make themselves available and go to health centres and clinics for testings,” Mr Manning said, adding that PNG has 11 cases with no new cases and all are recovering well with contact tracing continuing.

Meanwhile Mr Manning announced a series of products to communicate the new normal healthy behaviours for:

· Individuals, family and community;

· Places of worship;

· Health facilities;

· Business, markets and shops;

· Workplaces, banks and pharmacies;

· Transportation; and

· The National Control Center and other responders.

He said the Government will launch later this month these new measures that will become the new normal for Papua New Guinea and once officially launched for implementation the National and Provincial Control Centre’s will strictly monitor these with the assistance of Police.

“For the provinces, the Provincial Control Centres will become operational this week with the Provincial Administrators to manage the COVID-19 Management and operations with the provincial Health Authority taking the lead in the provinces,” Mr Manning said.

The Controller strongly reiterated that while Papua New Guinea has had only 11 cases, citizens must again be reminded that COVID-19 is real and remains a threat to the country and the health and safety of people worldwide and no one must think it will not affect them. So the key to their health and well-being he said is for them to remain vigilant and be health conscious and to practice better hygiene.

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Cocoa and Vanilla Farmers in PNG to benefit from new Traceability System