Sixteen new Covid-19 cases reported, 15 in West New Britain

SIXTEEN new Covid-19 cases have been reported, 15 of which were from West New Britain alone, according to National Pandemic Response Controller David Manning.
He said one was reported in New Ireland, taking the national total to 891 as of Wednesday, Jan 3.
Of the 15 in West New Britain, there were 11 males and four females with ages ranging from 19 to 66.
The 15 included two pastors, three students, three drivers and a health care worker.
Fourteen of those who tested positive had not showed any symptoms of the Covid-19 at the time of testing.
The lone case in New Ireland province is of a 44-year-old male mine worker who is currently in isolation while contact tracing is conducted.
Nine people have died so far from the Covid-19 in PNG while it awaits news on its first supply of vaccines.
Meanwhile, the University of PNG has not considered Covid-19 certificates as orientation started yesterday for first-year students.
Vice chancellor Prof Frank Griffin said students were urged to wear masks and practise social distancing.
“For the Covid-19, we did put in place quite a lot of measures last year and we are maintaining them,” he said.
“In some case, we are strengthening them for the safety and welfare of students and staff.”
The university last year used its funds to ensure the safety of students and university staff.
Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology secretary Fr Jan Czuba reminded the first-year students to take care against the Covid-19.
“This university went out of its way to support students last year, to make sure that they completed their studies,” he said. “No student died from the Covid-19.”