City residents urged to take health warnings seriously

By LULU MARK
PEOPLE in Port Moresby have been warned to take public health safety warnings seriously as the spike in Covid-19 cases begin to impact health services.
National Capital District Health Authority acting chief executive officer Ken Wai told The National that the 45 beds at the Rita Flynn Centre which was opened on Friday already had 25 occupied by yesterday.
An average of 20 Covid-19 cases were reported daily in Port Moresby last week.
“We are reiterating the same thing: wear a mask, wash/sanitise hands, keep physical distancing, avoid crowded places and visit the clinic if you are sick,” he said.
“These measures will prevent the spread of the Covid-19.”
St John Ambulance chief executive officer Matt Cannon said yesterday that the drive-through testing facility at the Taurama Aquatic Centre would be opened today.
“Controller Manning gave a direction to the sports foundation to have the center opened for the NCD Health Authority,” he said.
“St John is also using the vacant car park for the drive-thru and walk-in Covid-19 swabbing centre.”
Wai said the weak health system, limited space, equipment and manpower were a concern.
Wai said there were around 11,000 health workers to cater for the 10 million people which was “too much”.
“That’s why you will stand in a queue and complain,” he said.
“Our doctors, nurses and other health workers are burnt out so (with the Covid-19) we have a double-trouble.”