18 Jul 2020

New Covid-19 case recorded in PNG

1:46 pm on 18 July 2020

Papua New Guinea has confirmed its 16th case of Covid-19 amid concerns of an outbreak at the country's main laboratory.

Prime Minister James Marape said the latest case is a man who works at the Central Public Health Laboratory in Port Moresby.

This follows the four staff at the laboratory who tested positive for the virus last week.

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape updates media on the countries covid-19 response. 8 April, 2020.

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape updates media on the countries covid-19 response. 8 April, 2020. Photo: PNG PM Media

The Post-Courier reports Mr Marape had also confirmed the cluster outbreak at the lab had impacted the area.

He said the lab is situated near the general hospital and he's ordered an investigation into how staff have contracted the virus.

Mr Marape warned it's clear Covid-19 is prevalent in Port Moresby, the capital.

He has directed the health ministry to step up testing in Port Moresby.