Call for more tests as virus cases rise to 459

HEALTH workers have been urged to collect more samples for the Covid-19 testing as the national total of cases rose to 459.
The death toll is five.
National Pandemic Response Controller David Manning called on health workers to step up their efforts in collecting samples to determine how far the coronavirus has spread. “The Covid-19 is going to be with us for a long time,” he said.
“We all need to be aware of this and take care of our health as well as our loved ones.”
On Saturday, 23 new cases were recorded at the Ok Tedi mine in Western plus six in Port Moresby, including a teacher, a health worker and a student.
Western now has a total of 166 confirmed cases.
Port Moresby has 274 positive cases.
Manning said experience from other countries showed that the most vulnerable were those with pre-existing medical conditions and the old.
The health measures include the wearing of masks in public places and social distancing in shops, banks, buildings and public transport.
Of the 11 provinces with confirmed cases, the National Capital District has 274 so far, Central with six, Western 166, Morobe five, East New Britain two, and one each for Eastern Highlands, West Sepik, Southern Highlands, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, New Ireland and Milne Bay.