ENB opens first permanent Covid-19 isolation centre

THE first permanent isolation centre for Papua New Guinea, established in response to Covid-19, was officially opened in East New Britain on Friday.
The opening of the Gunan na Niuvia isolation centre at Takubar in Kokopo was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister and Attorney-General Davis Steven, Health Minister and Gazelle MP Jelta Wong, Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat, ENB Governor Nakikus Konga, provincial administrator Wilson Matava and senior statesmen Sir Sinai Brown and Sir Ronald Tovue.
Gunan na niuvia means the place of overcomers.
The 36 rooms centre costs K1.8 million and was funded by the ENB government.
Wong commended the provincial government for having the facility in place.
He said the province had been prompt in its response to the global pandemic.
Wong said the National Pandemic Act would continue to provide measures to protect people from Covid-19 and future health emergencies.
Wong reminded the people to practise basic hygiene, cleanliness, social distancing and other preventative measures. Steven said the province was being proactive in its preparation as one of the first cases of Covid-19 had been in East New Britain.
“I take this opportunity to tell the people of East New Britain that you leading and showing the rest of PNG what must happen in a time like this,” Steven said.