Somare home in lockdown

THE home of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Lady Veronica at Four-Mile in Port Moresby is on “lockdown” after a carer tested positive for the Covid-19.
Eldest daughter Betha Somare, in a statement, said “as of (last) Friday, we have gone into lockdown at the home of Sir Michael and Lady Veronica at Four-Mile”.
“While we have been following the Covid-19 protocols such as washing hands, sanitising and trying as much as we can to social distance ourselves, we thought it more prudent to be cautious in light of the increasing number of the Covid-19 cases in the city,” she said.
The family arranged for the Covid-19 tests to be carried out last week on all family members and relatives that have been coming in “to assist and grieve the passing of our father, Sir Michael”.
“Fortunately, all family members have tested negative to the virus but we have been exposed to people that have tested positive,” she said.
“For this reason, we are now observing stricter isolation protocols.
“Therefore, in line with the Covid-19 measures, family members and relatives since (last Friday) are no longer entering or leaving the (4-Mile) house.”
The family has advised that all those that visited in the past few days also go to locations such as the Rita Flynn Courts where they can be tested for the Covid-19.
The family is also apologising “for not be able to attend any ceremonies and we will not be able to receive any more visitors until our quarantine period is over”.
“I thank everyone for your understanding and cooperation at this time when numbers are spiking in the city,” she said.
“We urge all Papua New Guineans to stay safe and observe all prescribed safety measures and precautions.
“The Covid-19 is real and even though you might contract mild symptoms, the elderly and immune-suppressed may not fare so well.
“Please consider the vulnerable.”
She also thanked everyone “in the country and abroad for the outpouring of love and sadness at the passing of our dear father Sir Michael Somare”.
“We are humbled and comforted by the many messages of condolence, prayers, flowers and general acts of kindness towards Lady Veronica and the family.”
She also thanked Oil Search, the Health Department and World Health Organisation for the “testing and support services”.