One death, new cases identified

A 49-YEAR-OLD man from West New Britain died from the Covid-19 on Tuesday, bringing the country’s total Covid-19-related deaths to eight, according to National Pandemic Response Controller David Manning.
The deceased had abdominal pains, cough, headache and shortness of breath which started on Dec 4 and died four days later.
Manning said PNG had recorded a total of 720 Covid-19 cases, with 36 new cases reported on Thursday.
Among the new cases reported in WNB, 34 are from Talasea district while one case is a nursing officer from Gloucester who is a contact of a previously-identified case.
The youngest of the new cases is an eight-year-old girl while the oldest is a 62-year-old man.
Of the new cases, eight are students, three are nursing officers, two are community health workers, an environmental health officer, a medical staff and a security guard.
Most cases were identified as part of contact tracing and diagnosed through mass testing.
“Cases of the Covid-19 in PNG continue to increase as contact tracing is ongoing,” Manning said.
“This is a reminder to all of us that the threat of the Covid-19 remains in our communities and there is no room for complacency.
“Please continue to observe the Covid-19 health protocols. Use hand sanitisers or wash your hands regularly with soap.
“Wear a face mask when in a public space.
“Be responsible. Covid-19 is here.
“There is no cure so our best defence is by taking the necessary Covid-19 health protocols.”
Manning urged people to make basic hygiene and safe distancing a part of the new culture as PNG went into festive holidays.
He said he was concerned that people were complacent and were dropping their guard against the virus.