PNG controller warns against complacency

7:25 pm on 31 August 2020

Papua New Guinea's Pandemic Response Controller has warned against complacency after reporting no new cases of Covid-19 in the past day.

Port Moresby in PNG

Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins

PNG's total number of confirmed cases remains at 459, with five related deaths reported so far, although less than 16,000 tests have been conducted to date.

The Controller, David Manning, said just because PNG has not reported any new cases today it does not mean that the virus is not spreading.

He has urged citizens to not let their guards down, but to continue taking measures against the virus, including social distancing, frequent hand washing and the wearing of masks.

Mr Manning said results are pending for 1,686 tests, while 222 active cases are being managed through isolation and treatment.