Another surge in Covid-19

By LULU MARK
NATIONAL pandemic deputy controller Dr Daoni Esorom says there is a surge of Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the country so people should be vigilant and get tested.
Esorom said the surge which was mainly of the Omicron variant started in September.
According to recorded figures from the National Control Centre (NCC) for the Covid-19, the majority of the people affected were the ones who had not been vaccinated.
“The surge started in September and because of the festive season it will continue to February,” he said.
“In the last seven days a total of 192 cases were reported, three were hospitalised but there were no deaths.
“Fifteen of these cases were health care workers. Fifty-four of these cases were vaccinated and 138 were not vaccinated.
“The NCC is keeping a daily surveillance on the situation in the country. Not all the provinces are reporting on time but reports of recorded cases are coming in from the ones that do.”
Dr Esorom said on Tuesday 48 Covid-19 cases were reported and four of these were healthcare workers.
He said Milne Bay recorded 12, East New Britain eight, National Capital District seven, New Ireland five, Western Highlands and Enga four each, Madang, West New Britain and Northern two each and Central and Manus one each.
“From the provinces that are reporting, we are seeing an increase in the number of recorded cases,”he said.
“People must know that Covid-19 has not been eradicated yet.
“It is still a pandemic of concern in the country and around the world.” Dr Esorom urged people not to neglect the ‘Niupela Pasin’ or the control measures such as wearing of masks, washing of hands and avoiding crowded places.
He said people should go for testing when they had coughs or flu and practise the Niupela Pasin to protect members of their family and community.
Testing and advice on the Covid-19 in terms of vaccination were available at health facilities, he said.