Manus police investigating stolen items from health facility

POLICE in Manus are investigating a case where items were stolen from the province’s quarantine facility centre for coronavirus (Covid-19) in Lorengau town two weeks ago.
Manus police commander Chief Insp David Yapu said the burglars cut through the wire fence at the back of the facility to enter the area.
They then broke into the 24-room facility and took 24 mattresses, three bar fridges, furniture and electrical appliances.
Chief Insp Yapu said the thieves tried to remove air conditioners.
The incident happened between July 12 and 16 but was reported to police on Monday after health officers discovered the break-in and missing items.
Chief Insp Yapu, who was frustrated, said the quarantine facilities were provided by the Manus health authority to accommodate Covid-19 patients and had been set up at significant cost.
He said this would impact the centre’s ability to treat and quarantine Covid-19 cases.
Chief Insp Yapu, who is the deputy provincial controller, said the provincial advisory committee for Covid-19 had put a lot of effort to establishing the quarantine and isolation centre which had cost over K1 million and people needed to appreciate such facilities.
He urged the public to come forward with information.