Central starts Covid campaigns

A crowd at Manu auto-port in Port Moresby on Saturday. Most of the people ignored health measures issued by the Covid-19 National Control Centre by not wearing face masks and not practising social distancing. – Nationalpic by JOEL HAMARI

THE Central health authority started its Coronavirus (Covid-19) campaign in the province at the Gaire village on Saturday.
Papua New Guinea Council of Churches (PNGCC) general-secretary Rev Roger Joseph commended the Gaire United Reform Church for taking the lead in hosting a vaccination programme at its church premises.

**Ahi local level government president Malcolm Kalo receiving a dose of the Johnson and Johnson Coronavirus vaccine in Lae. – Picture courtesy of MALCOLM KALO**

The church invited the vaccine taskforce in Central to go to their village to vaccinate villagers.
Rev Joseph applauded the move and urged other churches to take the lead for their people’s well-being.

Barney Emota receiving a dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine administered by NCDPHA community health worker Andrew Fauma outside Vision City mall in Port Moresby on Monday. – Nationalpic by KENNEDY BANI

Central authority chief executive officer Dr James Amini said: “It is timely and appropriate that this request comes from a church organisation.

**The bus stop at Boroko in Port Moresby on Saturday. Many people at the bus stop did not wear a face mask or practice social distancing. – Nationalpic by JOEL HAMARI**

“The people must take the vaccine and practise the Niupela Pasin (New Normal) measures.”
Community leader Keith Iduhu said Covid-19 was real and people were dying.
“We must take measures such as getting vaccinated to protect everyone,” he added.