Embassy directs health authority to man

National

THE Chinese embassy in Port Moresby has directed local health authorities to a man who entered the country from China on Jan 21.
The man was the subject of social media speculation that he was carrying the coronavirus.
The embassy’s director of political affairs Sun Jia told The National that the man who entered PNG on Jan 21 was not from Wuhan where the coronavirus was believed to have originated from.
He said PNG health authorities had “reached the person and taken corresponding measures”.
“We call on the public to get information from the PNG government’s official channels,” he said.
Meanwhile, United Nations in-country physician and Pacific International Hospital chief obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Mathias Sapuri said there was no need to panic and people should accept only information from the Health Department. He urged the people to follow the prevention recommendations issued by the World Health Organisation and Centre for Disease Control.
“Meanwhile all doctors in PNG should be on the alert for any potential cases which should be reported immediately to health authorities,” he said.
Consultant physician at PIH Dr Aamir Siddiqui said influenza and similar viruses were prevalent at this time of year.
“We would like to remind the public not to panic, remain at home if they are feeling unwell with flu-like symptoms, drink plenty of fluid to stay hydrated and rest as much as possible,” he said.
“Use standard precautions and good hygiene to prevent infection from spreading including frequent hand washing and covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.”
Health Minister Jelta Wong also said no cases had yet been detected in the country.