People urged to be vigilant

The National National
National Judiciary Services (NJSS) staff Jessy Gonapakaima (right) checking the temperature of a man at the entrance to the Waigani Court.
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade chief of protocol Morea Veratau (far left) and Asia director Benjamin Kamil (far right) with seasonal workers who returned from NZ into Sydney on a chartered flight.
Chinese community representative James Lin (right) presenting a box of medical supplies to Morobe health authority board chairman David Wissink.
From left: CPL staff Joel Wayne, Mt Hagen hospital manager Jane Holden with other CPL staff Ramson Karang, Josie Bayron and Ruth Silian displaying some of the PPE CPL donated to the Mt Hagen Hospital.

ACTING Health secretary Dr Paison Dakulala has urged people to ensure that the Covid-19 does not spread in the community following recent reported cases in the country.
“Social distancing is not a joke,” he said.
“Wearing a mask when needed and within the setting you are working is not a joke.
“If you are coughing and have flu-like symptoms like a fever, stay at home and call the 1800 200 toll number so that we can help.’’
Director for Central Public Health Laboratory Dr Evelyn Lavu also called on the public to be vigilant and practice preventive measures.
She reminded people that PNG hospitals were not well resourced so “people need to play their part”.
Dr Dakulala highlighted that since January, each of the 22 provinces had been scaling up preparedness for the Covid-19.
“We have trained staff, put in isolation facilities and received personal protective equipment and other supplies,” he said.
“However, one of the biggest risks is complacency and fatigue and so I urge everyone not to let their guard down and continue to be vigilant.”
Apart from enhancing surveillance, he said there was a need to implement public health measures which included preparing the people for niupela pasin or the new normal.
“This would involve getting rid of our old ways of doing things and replacing them with new behaviours and actions to reduce risks of infection,” Dr Dakulala said.