Rampant COVID-19 Transmission in PNG a concern

Papua New Guinea recorded 560 coronavirus cases – the highest number over the last 24 hours – prompting Prime Minister James Marape to admit there is a rampant community transmission in the country.

These new confirmed cases bring the national tally to 4,660 cases throughout the country.

Mr. Marape announced the latest figures at a news conference in Port Moresby yesterday afternoon, saying the confirmed cases are from those that were brought in for sampling and testing.

He says the deaths remain at 39, but the situation is serious and he’s appealed to people to listen and comply with measures to protect themselves.

Mr. Marape has further appealed to people spreading rumours on social media and other platforms, to stop doing so.

''James Marape is talking about politics when I am talking about COVID-19, I did not manufacture COVID-19 in a lab somewhere, I did not import COVID-19 into this country.

''COVID-19 has arrived in our country, despite us doing our best to keep our borders safe.

''It is here now, and I want to encourage the country that we are finding a fine balance in trying to ensure keeping our economy running and functioning we are trying to make sure our public service keep on serving the people but at the same time stopping the unnecessary movement of people from place to place,'' said Marape.

NBC News / PNG Today

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