Dabaris looking at second dose

By PATRICIA KEAMO
CENTRAL Dabaris executive director Hubert Warupi says the club will be making arrangements through the provincial health authority (PHA) to get their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the coming weeks.
Warupi told The National that after the getting their first jab last week, the second dose was mandatory to ensure the vaccine’s effectiveness.
So far, 37 club personnel — including players — have received their first dose.
“We’ll go through the same process with the PHA and our team doctor, Dr Kapua Kapua, to schedule a time for the second dose,” Warupi said.
“It’s mandatory. Once we have the first dose, we have to get the second jab.
“We have two weeks before the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League and PNG National Rugby League Competition will decide what the next steps are (with regard to the 2021 Digicel Cup season).
“But as a franchise, we are proactive.
“Our players have been training since November and a lot of resources have been invested into team preparations.
“At this stage, we don’t want to let anything slide, we need to make sure that we make good use of the assistance that is provided to us.
Meanwhile, head coach Gairo Pepena has dismissed claims that two squad members had been released after refusing to get vaccinated.
“Joash (Toringi) has been released but not because of refusing to get vaccinated,” he said.
“He was released due to study commitments. This is his final year at Port Moresby Business College. But Muka (Kalu) is still with the squad.

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