Bad example

By LULU MARK
PUBLIC servants must be setting the example to the people on the mandatory wearing of masks in public to prevent the spread of the Covid-19, says Health Minister Jelta Wong.
He was responding to the scores of public servants who were not wearing masks during a dedication service held at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex on Monday.
“The Health Department stresses that public servants adhere to the measures issued by the (National Pandemic Response) Controller (David Manning) on Friday to stop the spread of the virus,” Wong said.
“Complacency will undo all the good work we have done so far.
“It’s just normal hygiene practices that adults should be drumming into children.”
Wong said public servants should be taking the lead in following public health safety measures issued by the controller. According to the mandatory mask measure, “no person shall be permitted entry to, or otherwise remain within any enclosed space within an establishment unless the person is wearing a mask or face covering, in a manner which covers their mouth, nose and chin”.
Attempts to get comments from Prime Minister James Marape, Public Service Minister Joe Sungi and Public Employees Association president Peter Toggs yesterday were unsuccessful.
Marape and Sungi had also attended the dedication service.
Public servants entering the venue of the event on Monday were issued masks by a staff of the Department of Community Development, Youth and Religion.
But despite the mandatory mask wearing requirement under the National Pandemic Act 2020, many did not put on the mask while inside. Yesterday in Port Moresby, many people travelling in buses and taxis, plus those walking around the streets, were also not wearing masks or observing the physical distancing rule. Manning on Monday reminded the people to remain vigilant and take heed of the public health safety rules:

• WEAR a face mask or face covering in all public places to protect yourself and others;
• CLEAN your hands often. Wash with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitiser;
• KEEP a physical distance of at least 1.5 meters between yourself and others;
• AVOID touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
• GREET others with a smile, a nod or a simple hello but 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 and surfaces.

Yesterday, eight new cases were reported increasing the country’s total to 843.
The latest cases were reported in West New Britain and in the National Capital District.