Make facts about virus accessible

Editorial

Coronavirus does not discriminate.
Despite recording only one positive coronavirus case in Papua New Guinea since the outbreak last December, we should not let down our guard.
Prime Minister James Marape yesterday told Parliament that as a nation we should act to protect our country from allowing the virus from coming in; stop it from spreading (if there is any) and stop it from killing our people.
The National Executive Council announced a state of emergency (SOE) on March 23 which included isolation strategies (lockdown of provincial borders) to allow authorities to map further whether the virus was in country, where it was (if it was in country), isolate the area or province affected and eliminate it.
Many people were confused, irritated and annoyed with the 14-day SOE because they did not understand.
Necessary isolation is the key step to stopping the virus from spreading or entering our country.
The world is affected by this pandemic and PNG is no exception.
Covid-19 respects no national borders, no social bounds, no political systems and no cultural values.
Our trading partners are hard hit and the effect is already felt in the country.
Going forward, stiff border protection measures should now be implemented along our borders.
We should be sensitive in our endeavours from the possible intrusion and spread of the virus.
PNG does not have the capacity to deal with this virus if there is an outbreak so to help our health system, it is better to take protective measures – washing hands frequently, maintain social distancing, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and practice respiratory hygiene.
Over the past days, one can see people continue to leave their homes unnecessarily and congregate in large groups despite being told to restrict movement.
Makes you wonder if all citizens really understand what the Government is doing.
Maybe use a different tactic to raise awareness.
Time for communication specialists to re-strategise in getting the message to the mass population who probably are very confused at this stage.
Time to prioritise the collection, consolidation and dissemination of accurate country – and community-specific information about affected areas, individual and group vulnerability to Covid-19.
Let us use simple language and avoid clinical terms.
Promote content around basic infection prevention practices, symptoms of Covid-19 and when to seek health care.
Let’s share facts and accurate information about the coronavirus. The way we communicate can affect the attitude of others.
In an age where information is mass produced and accessible at the touch of a button, what the public really should have is relevant knowledge.
This information should be available to everyone for them to make sound and educated decisions.
Also, while the Government has stepped its efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, it is important for everyone to get facts from trusted sources.
Not everyone has a smart phone, radio or television set and with the literacy level low in the country, brochures and pamphlets with graphics should be used and printed in local languages including English and tok pisin.
We have said it and will continue that, The National will continue to emphasis the importance of communicating Covid-19 as important in supporting people to take effective action to help combat the disease and to avoid fuelling fear and stigma.
We concur with the prime minister that the public should remain informed about Covid-19.