Manning urges people to get tested as Covid cases increase

NATIONAL Pandemic Response Controller David Manning has advised people to get the Covid-19 tests as cases continue to rise.
There were 49 new cases reported on Tuesday, taking the national total to 1,741, with 21 deaths so far.
“How we address (the pandemic now) will determine how long it remains in the country,” he said.
Manning said while there were no plans yet to restrict the movement of people, “they need to listen and adhere to the protocols in place while going about their business”.
Port Moresby residents yesterday were queued outside the Rita Flynn sports facility to get tested.
“I have been warning (about) our ignorance and complacency towards the measures. This is the result,” Manning said.
He said more than 20 cases a day were being reported from around the country, with outbreaks in Madang, West Sepik and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
“The high number of cases are from the National Capital District, Western, West New Britain, East New Britain, Western Highlands and Morobe,” he said.
“The signs are clear that we are in a difficult situation.
“We (know) how it is being spread so we need to ensure we are following health measures.”
He warned that the Covid-19 spread quickly during gatherings and urged everyone to follow the public health safety rules such as the wearing of face masks, physical distancing and washing of hands.
Health Minister Jelta Wong blamed the recent surge in cases to the non-compliance of Covid-19 control measures.
“The surge is mostly because of complacency,” Wong said.
He said people had been allowed to move around freely without wearing masks.