Protect yourself from Covid-19

Editorial

IT is time to take ownership of our health.
Rather than pointing fingers at the Government for not doing this and that for the coronavirus, let’s help by start practicing and living according to the “Niupela Pasin”.
“Niupela Pasin” calls for the compulsory wearing of face masks in public or places such as shops, markets and enclosed spaces such as public motor vehicles (PMVs) and taxis.
Our health is our responsibility.
Papua New Guinea does not have the capacity to deal with this virus if there is an outbreak.
To help our health system, it is better to take protective measures – washing hands frequently, maintain social distancing, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and practice respiratory hygiene.
The rapidly increasing demands of the pandemic is already threatening our health systems.
From day one of the lockdown last year, we still had people not following simple rules such as social distancing imposed during the state of emergency for the sake of their health and safety.
One could see that people continue to leave their homes unnecessarily and congregating in large groups despite being told to restrict ones movement.
Dr Sam Yockopua from the Port Moresby General Hospital has on countless times sent out reminders for everyone to wear a face mask, practice social distancing and hand sanitise.
It is a simple request but yet, there are so many who think it’s nothing.
We remind you again, that Covid-19 is spread from person-to-person.
When an infected person coughs, sneezes and talks, the droplets can land on the mouths and noses of people or it can possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Some people do not have symptoms of the virus but can pass on the virus
We have so many people not wearing face masks correctly.
The face mask should be worn correctly to protect one from getting Covid-19 or from passing it on.
The face mask should cover the face from the bridge of the nose to the chin.
Many people wear it properly when entering shops, but once inside, they pull it down so it is on their chin, exposing their nose and mouth, which is not safe.
Before you wear your mask, you should ensure your hands are clean and wear it by placing the mask over your mouth and nose.
National Pandemic Response Controller and Police Commissioner David Manning has once again called on everyone in the country to follow the health measures in place to prevent further spread of the virus in the country.
We need to make this a habit of practicing the health measures such as: regular hand wash; cover your cough or cough into your elbow; avoid crowds; maintain physical distance from the next person by 1.5 to 2 metres; and, wear a face mask all the time when in public and in places such as shops, markets and on PMVs.
As much as many people feel irritated and annoyed with then and even today, Covid-19 respects no national boarders, no social bounds, no political systems and no cultural values.
If we want to continue to operate without the Government imposing strict measures, let us do our part by following the health rules in place.