Northern admin directed to set up screening machines

Northern Governor Gary Juffa has directed the provincial administration to immediately set up a screening and monitoring centre at Girua Airport and other ports of entry.
This move is in response to the coronavirus outbreak that has been claiming lives in China and Asia.
Juffa called on the provincial disaster centre, Customs, National Airport Corporation, Ports Services, police, province health authority and Red Cross to heed the call.
Juffa also called on the Government to immediately take proactive measures to effectively manage the situation.
“Once this virus hits PNG we are going to be severely affected because we have a very big betel nut chewing community,” he said.
Juffa cautioned the people to be careful when interacting with others.
“Buy some masks and hand sanitation lotions to wash your hands. I don’t intend to be over-reactive but it is better to be proactive at this stage,” he said.
Acting provincial administrator Trevor Magei convened an emergency meeting with stakeholders to discuss the emergency measures.
“Our immediate respond is to set up a screening centre at the airport and screen everyone coming into the province from outside PNG,” he said.