Number of deaths continue to increase: Controller

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA and PETER WARI
THE number of deaths related to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) increased by 10 – 325 to 335 – in a week, according to National Pandemic Response Controller David Manning.
The total number of people who have the Covid-19 Delta variant is 192 after a case was detected in Madang last week. While there were no cases or deaths reported on Monday – a first in a long time – there were 314 reported yesterday, taking the national total to 28,209.
“We continue to advocate for everyone to wear a mask, and practice the Niupla Pasin,” Manning said.
“We need people to take care of themselves, practice social distancing and always wear a mask.”
Meanwhile, six deaths in four days were reported at the Mendi Provincial Hospital in Southern Highlands, taking the total to 29, says provincial health authority chief executive officer Dr Joseph Birisi.
He said the six people died between Friday and Monday, with 18 new cases confirmed.
Dr Birisi said 10 Covid-19 patients died in their homes, 18 were admitted at the isolation ward and triage tent and one at the Ialibu District Hospital.
“About 56 per cent of Covid-19 patients have recovered, 35 per cent were isolated in their homes and 5 per cent were hospitalised.
“New admissions are four and the bed capacity at the hospital is 44.
“There are 17 beds available at the moment.”