Women groups paid to sew masks for distribution

WOMEN groups in Port Moresby are being paid to sew masks which are being distributed during Covid-19 prevention and awareness campaigns in the capital city.
Acting Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari and Youth, Religion and Community Development Secretary Anna Bias led a team of public servants to conduct awareness at the Defence Force headquarters, and handed over 5,000 masks and hand sanitisers yesterday.
Lupari said this was the first personal protective equipment distribution involving non-essential public servants who will be conducting awareness around Port Moresby.
The masks cost K5 each and were sewn by women from various communities.
They were told to sew at least 300,000 masks.
“The money goes back to the community,” Lupari said.
Defence Force commander Maj-Gen Gilbert Toropo said Covid-19 awareness for soldiers and their families started in March and they were ready to assist where needed. Soldiers are also involved in the campaign.
Toropo said army medics were helping out at the National Control Centre, Rita Flynn isolation facility and St John Ambulance and would continue to support. He said fund from Australia were used to buy sewing machines to sew masks.