Marape: Risk of Covid-19 entering PNG high

The National Main Stories, Uncategorized

By REBECCA KUKU
THE country needs to be on high alert as the risk of Covid-19 entering the country is very high, says Prime Minister James Marape.
“A hotline (7196 0813) has been established to address the immediate need for information and or reporting and to answer questions people may have,” he said.
He said there was a team of dedicated health experts and professionals who ensure we have measures to prevent, detect, manage and treat any case of Covid-19.
“We have also developed a preparedness and response plan that outlines key measures from the alert phase, containment and mitigation. It has detailed actions and requirements identified in every phase. The budget for those activities has already been approved by the National Executive Council.”
Marape thanked the Department of Health, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Immigration and Citizenship Authority, National Airports Corporation, Air Niugini, the World Health Organisation and other development partners for all their efforts so far.
“While your efforts have been commendable, I urge all involved in our response including government agencies, development partners and the general public to remain vigilant as we deal with the threat of this terrible contagious illness.”
He warned people to read “verifiable information and inform yourselves correctly”.
Major economies are braced for the impact of the pandemic. In major cities around the world, supermarkets have been almost stripped bare by shoppers panic buying and stockpiling for toilet rolls, pasta and long-life milk.
Major sporting events have been cancelled, including the Super Rugby competition, National Basketball Association games, English Premier League, car racing, cricket and athletics.

11 comments

  • With due respect Mr prime minister, we do know were understaffed and 8 beds is not good enough. Proper hygiene is not practiced here. What are the chances of avoiding infection when the average p. N. gean loves their buai and are all social butterflies.
    Just saying. I’m sure it’s here we just don’t know it yet.

    • PJ, time and again we have been reminded not to chew buai. Only the fools will reap benefits of their ignorance and arrogant acts. PMJM will never make miracles. PNG is a poor and under resource Country. We all know the inadequate levels of health facilities we have to cope with very high and influx demands. So, there wont be any quick fix by anyone. We will only need to take care for ourselves.. and either to die or to survive.

      • This is an execuse and I disagree,in case of epidemic urgency as such,funds must be avail at all cost to prevent at all cost the killer disease. This is a case like none in the history of PNG so top priority is this.The population is at stake,take some bold decisions, like totally lock-down the country from every international incoming and outgoing travels. Build a state of the art medical facility to cater for this,not plans and plans in place. Plans wont save live.

        Can we live out other economical and political agendas and focus on the people for now,seriously.

  • I think our Prime Minister is doing well in preparation in advance of the coronavirus that entering the country. If it is God’s plan to let the disease flooding into the country, let it do so because we won’t avoid it. Everything is happening one or the other way according to God’s plan. If one get covid-19 and die it doesn’t mean the disease kill him or her,but he or she die according to the day God has calendared him/her. So are you ready to die.,…? Which place have you chosen to go after deatth????

    • Your statement here doesn’t make any sense, doesn’t even go inline with the article posted.
      Judging others and using the Lord’s name in vain?
      Stick to the point and help create ideas for us all to implement and use for the benefit for us all.
      Cheers!

  • John Tape you are definitely right and I am really saddened with that. You know what, if the government and the health department fail their duty to prevent the virus….I reckon all of us will be infected because we don’t care walking in public places and stuff, and even health & hygiene practices are poor.

  • Luke chapter 21 Jesus Yeshua talks about the DISTRESS of nations and men will come, ‘when it comes look to heaven for your Redemption draws nearer.’ That was His COMMAND, So let PNG’ians look up to THAT redemption from Yeshua our MESSIAH. In our insufficiency ONLY He, is our sufficient One.

  • Why we panic a lot? Didn`t you know that we live in a Christian country? Where do you think the God of the universe that we serve here in PNG at this very period of deadly COVID-19 spreads to all parts the world? My fellow PNGeans, Lord is watching us and under his watchful eyes, all these things happening so let us all repent, pray, and run to Him and seek for His divine protection powers to protect us from this deadly COVID-19.

    Lord won`t intervene and do something to save us unless we do something to attract His grace and mercy to be on us in such a time like this as stated in the bible, authorities had been given to you, whatever you bind on earth will bind in Heaven.

    With that note, please don`t blame anybody, especially the government of the day, just do something unto God from where ever you are and run to Him for your life and your families` lives.

  • Leo Kepson, Yuki, Freddy Taipes and others who will comment or quote biblical scriptures, let me say this ” Wisdom and knowledge God gave us is to use it for the good of mankind and not evil”. In this current situation were WHO declared Con-Vid 19 has pandemic, it will be incorrect for us trying to persuade general populace to repent etc.. of church none sense.

    I am a Christian and I believe in strategy thinking. I agree with you Jack Alois and other like minded Papua New Guineans. The measures PM and experts have in plan is for the entire country. How you and I will be vigilient to help our families, communities avoid the killer virus is important the we critical think and suggest options for the betterment if the virus enters our shore.

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