Health authority to use NSI facilities for Covid-19 ops

By PATRICIA KEAMO
GOROKA’S National Sports Institute will still be used by the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority for Coronavirus (Covid-19) operations, says acting institute director Kylie Martin.
She told The National yesterday that the institute’s multi-purpose hall had already been converted into an isolation centre for Covid-19 patients, but it had yet to be used.
The arrangement to convert the hall into an isolation centre was made in October when Covid-19 cases in the province were high.
“The institute will still be used by the authority as an isolation centre,” Martin said.
“At this stage, the building has already been completed but the authority has not used it yet. We have begun operations for the New Year in our new office set-up.
“I believe Covid-19 cases in the province are manageable as there appears to be no need to use the centre as yet.
“We hope to meet with the authority this month to confirm the status of the hall before the month ends.
“But in the meantime, our facilities have been opened to our regular clients.
“Athletes based here have resumed training (after taking a break during the festive season).
“On Monday, some national athletes moved into the institute to resume training.
“They include five distance athletes who were based in Kerowagi last year. They are Abel Siune, George Yamak, Dilu Goiye, Siune Kagl and Wilford Baia.
“(Pacific Games sprint champion) Toea Wisil is also training.
“She has set herself a target to make the Commonwealth Games this year. Her coach, Geoffrey Bai, has been monitoring her fitness and training as they both prepare for this competition.”