Papua New Guinea's Covid-19 cases now at 600

12:44 pm on 13 November 2020

Papua New Guinea has reported its 600th case of Covid-19, a four year old boy from West New Britain.

PNG Pandemic Response Controller, David Manning

PNG Pandemic Response Controller, David Manning Photo: EMTV

The child had no symptoms but was tested as he is a close contact of a previously identified case.

The Pandemic Controller, David Manning said the case highlighted that the coronavirus affected everyone, regardless of age and gender.

"We all share the risk. I urge everyone who had been in contact with a Covid-19 case to get tested even if you do not have symptoms."

Manning also reminded everyone to get tested if they had a fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or difficulty breathing.

"Protecting our family and friends from any harm is part of our caring Melanesian culture. Getting tested and knowing our Covid-19 status will ensure we do not spread the virus to our children and our elderly parents and grandparents," he said.

To date, PNG has Covid tested just over 30,000 people, with 339 results still pending.

585 people have recovered from Covid-19 while there are eight active cases in isolation.

PNG has recorded seven deaths from Covid-19.