Adapt to measures: Manning

The National National
People at the Boroko public bus terminal in Port Moresby on Tuesday. National Pandemic Response Controller David Manning has reminded people to wear a face mask or face covering in all public places. – Nationalpics by KENNEDY BANI
David Manning

NATIONAL Pandemic Response Controller David Manning has reminded people to adapt to the measures in the new normal (niupela pasin) such as wearing face masks.
Manning, in a statement last week, said people needed to take the responsibility of voluntarily coming forward for testing as this would not only save them but their families, as well as their communities. He said most of the cases reported were through community transmission which meant that people needed to take precautions and adhere to measures in the new normal.
Manning urged citizens to remain vigilant and take heed of the measures in the new normal such as:

The Rita Flynn Covid-19 facility in Port Moresby has been closed for an indefinite period.
  • Wearing a face mask or face covering in all public places to protect yourself and others;
  • Cleaning your hands often. Wash with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitiser;
  • Keeping a physical distance of 1.5-metres between yourself and others;
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
  • Greeting others with a smile, a nod or a simple hello – no handshakes, no fist bumps and no high fives;
  • Cough and sneeze in your bent elbow and not your hands;
  • Limit social gathering and time spent in crowded places; and,
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects.
Passengers in a route No.9 PMV not wearing face masks in Port Moresby on Tuesday.

NCD health authority acting chief executive officer Ken Wai told The National on Tuesday that the Rita Flynn Covid-19 facility in Port Moresby would only be re-opened if there was another surge in the Covid-19 cases.
For now, he said, the Covid-19 services would be provided through the existing health system. The Port Moresby General Hospital had 50 Covid-19 beds and 150 Covid-19 staff.

Japan International Co-operation Agency (Jica) senior representative Takahiro Yokota (left) presenting face masks to National Pandemic deputy controller and deputy Health secretary Dr Paison Dakulala in Port Moresby on Wednesday. Jica donated 25,000 face masks to the Health Department.