Extend lockdown

THE increasing number of coronavirus cases to 110 should be of great concern to all of us.
Because as the number gets bigger, there is a very high chance of spillover from Port Moresby to other parts of Papua New Guinea.
This is because despite awareness on social distancing, facemasks etc, most people are still being ignorant.
Our main focus now should be on how to keep the number of cases as low as possible.
Because of the social behaviour and lifestyle in PNG, cases will multiply rapidly and that will be very difficult for us to control.
This will put more pressure on the health system, especially with the limited number of facilities and health workers that we have, and of course, the budget plan for the Covid-19.
We cannot adopt or copy the approach used by Australia and other developed countries.
We must decide what is best for us.
I, therefore, as the National Pandemic Controller David Manning and his team to seriously consider extending certain restrictions throughout the country.
This should also include the total restriction of movement of people from province to province and, if necessary, keep in consideration our schools and other learning institutes where large numbers of people come together during weekdays.
The Government is concerned about the economy of the country, businesses houses are concerned about their outstanding loans, profits and losses and we, ordinary citizens, are worried about losing our family members.
I suggest that partial lockdown or restrictions on certain areas should be imposed nationwide to minimise the spread of the coronavirus.

Maangs Siwam,
Lae