Venue review in a month

Manning to PNGOC: This is a temporary arrangement

By PATRICIA KEAMO and LULU MARK
NATIONAL Pandemic Response Controller David Manning says in a month’s time, there will be a review of the Taurama Aquatic Centre over its commandeering for the country’s Covid-19 operations.
He said that after the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) “raised serious concerns” on behalf of national sporting federations over the venue’s recent takeover by the National Control Centre.
“This is a temporary arrangement,” Manning told The National yesterday.
“We will work with PNGOC to ensure we return the facilities commandeered for Covid-19 response as soon as practicable.
“We are always proud of our Papua New Guineans excelling in their respective codes.
“We will continue to support PNGOC to ensure our athletes are best protected from Covid-19 whilst they prepare for this significant event.”
The Aquatic Centre — converted into a field hospital to cater for Covid-19 patients — is run by the National Capital District Health Authority, Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) and St John Ambulance.
Some of the concerns highlighted by PNGOC included the impact it would have on the country’s preparations for next year’s Pacific Mini Games and Commonwealth Games, and the 2023 Pacific Games.
PNGOC president Sir John Dawanicura said in a statement over the weekend that “athletes must train year in, year out for major Games”.
PNGSF chief executive Micah James also told The National that they had an obligation to comply with the Covid-19 directives.
“But we will bring the matter up with the Control Centre for review to allow for flexibility on our part and for sporting activities to commence without spectators,” he said.
Meanwhile, St John Ambulance chief executive Matt Cannon said the Nightingale Wing at the Aquatic Centre had been easing the load on PMGH since its opening two weeks ago.
He said 84 Covid-19 patients had been admitted since the opening and on Friday, there were 30 patients under care.
Cannon said there were moderate and mild patients at the Aquatic Centre while the severe and critical cases were at PMGH.
“Countries all around the world have needed to convert stadiums and convention centres from their normal purpose to be used to care for the sick,” he said.
“The focus of the Nightingale Wing is easing the burden on PMGH.
“PMGH is reporting around 50-80 Covid-19 patients being cared for, many of whom are in a mild or serious condition.
“Covid-19 is a very serious respiratory disease that can spread in homes.
“That makes it important that we quickly isolate positive cases to prevent any further spread.”