COVID-19

From a primary school in Lae (name withheld), one teacher passed away last Monday while another yesterday (Oct 18^th).

“We closed the school yesterday and everyone was ordered by the head teacher, and all the teachers were taken down to the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium for COVID testing,” said Tangui.

Contact tracing and testing are currently underway, with Tangui saying a decision will be made pending test results.

At Menyamya Primary School, five teachers tested positive.

“No deaths have occurred,” he stated.

This is part of the scale down of services at the hospital due to rise in cases of the Delta Variant.  

The circular read, ‘Due to the spike in COVID-19 clinical cases in the hospital and the unprecedented exertion of pressure on the already limited capacity the hospital can cater for.’

The circular stated that it is important that clinicians, nurses and support staff be deployed in efforts to combat and mitigate the efforts of COVID-19 in the hospital.

He relayed this message at yesterday’s the launching of a handbook by the Council of Churches supporting the government’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts in Port Moresby.

“I pass my condolences to the families of our people who have lost loved ones to this dreadful disease that has engulf our country,” he said.  

To date, the National Control Centre has reported 266 COVID-19 related deaths and 24, 041 COVID-19 cases.

Unconfirmed reports from within Mendi hospital stated that out of the 1400 people who have been tested for COVID-19 under rapid testing, 550 were confirmed cases. Alarmingly, 11 deaths recorded so far were COVID-19 related with 55 have been admitted in the wards and 35 very ill people are camping in tents outside the hospital, as there is no space in the hospital.

From the 11 that passed on, eight are male and three females but many who have died outside the hospital are not on record.

New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan made the difficult decision after he was given a brief from the Provincial COVID-19 Task Force.

He said: “After weighing the extent and implications presented, the safety of the people is important and although the Elders were looking forward to the event, the decision had to be made in the best interest of all New Irelanders.”

The directive also covers the grand opening of the Tinkoris Medical Centre, which Sir J and the people were looking forward to celebrating on the 29^th of this month.

The CPNGFA donated consumable items, oxygen cylinders and other items to the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (EHPHA) to help the COVID-19 patients and the frontline health workers, this week in Goroka.

The Association in a special meeting held in Goroka recently agreed to raise funds and assist the Goroka Provincial Hospital, as the numbers of COVID-19 cases is soaring at an alarming rate in Goroka and the seven districts of the province, including Kainantu, Henganofi, Unggai/Bena, Okapa, Lufa, Daulo and Obura/Wonenara.

Mr Roo and his family were the first to take the vaccination among many staff and their families. The vaccination drive was organized through an existing partnership between the PNG Fire Service and St John Ambulance.

He said: “PNG Fire Services is playing its part in dealing with the COVID-19 measure where it has provided voluntary vaccination options for its staff and their family members, so they can be protected against the deadly Delta Variant.”

The fundraising drive started on 3rd of October and ended last Sunday but this has extended due to continuing support.

During the first week of the fundraising drive the association was able to raise K75,800 from which they were able to purchase 100 oxygen cylinders from BOC in Lae, 60 plastic chairs, six hot water urns and a number of power extension cords and accessories.

NEHASA President, Jarmol Hogi a third year UPNG student, said 50 of the oxygen cylinders had been transported to Goroka on October 9 and the other 50 will be transported anytime soon.

PMGH’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Paki Molumi has expressed that the current COVID-19 surge is the worst so far and the numbers are alarmingly increasing.

As of Monday 11^th October, two more COVID-19 deaths were recorded, with 169 confirmed cases, 133 being admitted to PMGH and 33 at Taurama Aquatic Centre new COVID-19 holding facility.

The Taurama Aquatic Centre has now been fully dedicated to the moderate and low risk cases, relieving PMGH to deal with more severe cases and to return to normal operations.

Assistant Commissioner of Police for Northern Command, Peter Guinness, is urging people to wear masks when out in public spots.

By now, Papua New Guineans should be aware of the new normal, or niupela pasin, where we are expected to mask up when in public spaces, cough or sneeze into our elbows and maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres from each other.

In an interview on Monday, ACP Guinness said COVID-19 cases are still on the rise.