Papua New Guinea thanks US Aid for Donation of 40 Oxygen Ventilators

Papua New Guinea has one new case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) reported today, bringing total cases to 111.

The new case is a 27-year-old male of the National Department of Health and is in isolation at the Rita Flynn Courts. He was tested during a targeted testing of the health staff following the confirmation of seven staff with COVID-19 at the department.

National Pandemic Response Controller Mr David Manning said the contract tracing for the health staff in the nation’s capital is continuing.

“Over the past 48 hours we have conducted more than 1,906 tests. This includes testing of staff of the National Control Centre, the National Department of Health as well as inpatients and staff at the Port Moresby General Hospital.

“I thank residents in Port Moresby for their patience and for presenting themselves at the hospital and health facilities in the city for testing.

“What you are doing is essential to limit any potential spread of COVID-19. Getting tested helps us find any cases in the community as quickly as possible. This ensures we are doing everything we can to manage the pandemic,” Mr Manning said.

Controller Manning encouraged all residents of NCD to continue to come forward for testing if they have developed any COVID-19 symptoms, even if mild. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, runny nose, shortness of breath and muscle ache.

“As of today, there are testing facilities right across the city and swabbing has started at the Lawes Road, Gordons, Pari and Tokara clinics. It’s really important if you’re showing any symptoms at all, please go get tested.

“I also strongly encourage people to stay 1.5 metres away from other people as much as possible, wear a mask, wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser often, and leave a location if it is crowded,” he said.

Controller Manning added that the proposed recommendations and control measures by the COVID-19 Health Advisory Committee will be discussed with stakeholders to ensure the measures are reflective of the need of Papua New Guineans during this time.

Meanwhile contact tracing for the two cases in Lae is continuing with results for the 74 contacts of the second Lae case will be available tomorrow. The third case identified on Sunday has been isolated at the 11 Mile Isolation Centre.

Commissioner Manning said today that these new cases now bring the total to 73 known active cases. These include 33 patients under care, with four admitted to the Port Moresby General Hospital.

“There are currently one moderate and 28 mild patients under care at Rita Flynn Isolation Centre after five were discharged today,” said Mr Manning.

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Papua New Guinea thanks US Aid for Donation of 40 Oxygen Ventilators