Businesses say vaccination programme lost momentum

THE PNG Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PNGCCI) says it is gravely concerned about the slow uptake of the Covid-19 vaccines.
PNGCCI president Ian Tarutia said in a media statement yesterday that the vaccination programme, which began last month after the arrival of the first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines from Australia, had lost momentum.
“We are aware the slow uptake of the vaccines is due to widespread fear among Papua New Guineans about the AstraZeneca vaccine,” Tarutia said.
“With so much inaccurate information being circulated through social media, it’s hardly surprising that our people are fearful of this particular vaccine.
“It doesn’t help when our health professionals are also divided over the uptake of the vaccines.
“However, Prime Minister James Marape was one of the first to be vaccinated and our people must take comfort in his example.
“Hence, the Government’s vaccination programme must proceed as planned so that our health workers and others are fully protected.”
Tarutia said while it was encouraging to note that 8,300 people (out of 10,600 positive cases) had recovered, the number of positive cases was still climbing.
“There is still no cure for the Covid-19 and vaccines are our best protection against this deadly virus.
“What is the Government’s next alternative if the vaccination programme is further delayed?
Tarutia said the PNGCCI was concerned about the economic impacts if transmissions were not slowed down.
He said that the business sector had been hit hard by the pandemic despite the Government’s purported K5.6 billion rescue package.
“The business sector has seen the demise of a prominent construction company, Nawae Constructions, which went into liquidation earlier this year.”