Health Dept to seek funding for thermal equipment

THE Health Department will seek funding from Cabinet to buy thermal surveillance equipment to screen people at airports and sea ports for any symptom of the coronavirus.
Acting Health Secretary Dr Paison Dakulala revealed this after the World Health Organisation declared the coronavirus a global medical emergency.
All ports of entry are yet to have such equipment and “the best they could do” now was to have all arriving passengers fill in declaration forms to prove that they have been cleared by medical officials at their port of origin.
“Currently, we have been using our own funds and resources but we will be making a submission for funding to protect and prepare ourselves to fight this novel coronavirus.
“The submission will also capture thermal surveillance equipment to screen patients.”
He said they were increasing manpower at the ports of entry.
“All ships coming to the country are to come through the Port Moresby port for clearance before they can go to anywhere else in the country,” he said.
“We are also working on setting up a place for quarantine.”
He said the coronavirus was not in the country but everyone should practise using respiratory masks and observe hand hygiene and safe food practices.”
Dakulala also called on the people to frequently wash their hands and to always cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing.
Meanwhile, decisions on whether to ban flights from countries affected by the coronavirus will be made by the Department of Health and not the Immigration and Border Security, said Minister Westly Nukundj.