Increase in Covid testing

THERE is an increase in testing and surveillance of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) at the Port Moresby General Hospital, says National Pandemic Response controller David Manning.
He told The National that for every seven patients tested, five were positive and had been admitted for surgical conditions.
All are under 30 years old.
“Further delineation for particular variant will be organised through overseas testing,” Manning said.
“Two were among new admissions for surgical conditions also.
“This may imply community transmission on a larger scale since the third surge settled last November. It is not surprising should this testing rate increase in coming days given the festive season celebrations and other major events in the recent weeks.
“We are elevating our surveillance and testing measures at PMGH given this rate.
“In the meantime, I emphasize the need to get people vaccinated, avoid mass gatherings, wear face masks and hand sanitise.”
Manning has urged all private and public bodies to liaise with the Niupela Pasin team to formulate standard operating procedures for Covid-19 workplace safety and operations within their organisations.
He said while the severity of Covid-19 Omicron variant was lower than Delta, it spread faster and therefore more people were getting sick with Omicron than with the original Covid-19 and other variants, putting a lot of stress on health resources. “We have to do everything we can to ensure this variant does not spread like wildfire in this country because PNG does not have the capacity in the health system to respond favorably.”