Doc: Expect next surge in February and March

NATIONAL Pandemic Response Deputy Controller Dr Daoni Esorom says the country expects to see a rise in Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in February and March next year.
He said this would be due to transmissions increasing during the Christmas period.
“Christmas is a time for gathering and people will celebrate so the number of cases will go up by next February and March,” he said.
Dr Esorom said the number of positive cases was rising due to community transmissions and a lack of testing.
“Advice has gone out already for people to get vaccinated as this will lower the risk of getting the virus.”
He said those at high risk of suffering from the Covid-19 such as the aged (over 45 years), the sick, including those with pre-existing and undiagnosed medical conditions and front line workers needed to be vaccinated.
Dr Esorom said Papua New Guineans needed to change their attitudes to their health, especially the tendency of not promptly seeking medical treatment and advice for ailments and conditions and waiting until things worsened.
“We need to improve the testing capacity and the number of people tested, so we are ready if the fourth wave hits the country,” Dr Esorom said.
He said vaccination and adhering to the new normal was the way forward.