Covid-19 spike in cases expected in March
News that matter in Papua New Guinea
Covid-19 spike in cases expected in March
PORT MORESBY: A spike in Coronavirus (Covid-19) infection is
expected in March, according to a modelling by an epidemiological team, Papua
New Guinea (PNG) Pandemic Control Response Controller David Manning says.
“The plan to control the rate of infection is underway
as we get ready to go into the election period.
“All gatherings of more than 100 persons cease from
Jan 14 to Feb 28 (when the common roll updating will be held),” he added.
Details of the news break were published by The National:
Covid-19
surge expected
January 21, 2022The
NationalMain Stories
By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
THE number of Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases is expected to increase in
March, according to a modeling by an epidemiological team, says Pandemic
Response Controller David Manning.
He told The National that the plan to control the rate of
infection was underway as “we get ready to go into the election period”.
“All gatherings of more than 100 persons ceased (from) Jan 14 to Feb 28 (when
the common roll updating will be held),” Manning said.
“No approval will be given for any gatherings between those dates.
“We have so many sad examples from around the globe to learn from.”
Manning gave the example of India, which was in the middle of its election
campaign period when the Delta variant emerged last year, killing around
400,000 people.
“We only have to refer to India to see what happens when we ignore (the
rules),” he said.
Manning said prior approvals given for large gatherings had been revoked.
“These include social events such as clubbing/bar activities, dances, diners,
parties, sporting competitions and religious activities such as church and
fellowships,” Manning said.
Manning urged private and public bodies to liaise with the “Niupela Pasin” team
to formulate standard operating procedures for Covid-19 workplace safety and
operations.
He said while the severity of the Omicron variant was lower than Delta, “it
spreads faster (with) more people getting sick, putting stress on health
resources”.
“We have to do everything we can to ensure this variant does not spread like
wildfire because Papua New Guinea does not have the capacity in its health
system to respond effectively,” Manning said.
“Prevention is better than cure, and one way is to get yourself vaccinated.
“Statistics show that we have 229,459 people fully vaccinated.
“This shows that the vaccines are safe.”
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