13 May 2021

Latest PNG Covid-19 cases include toddlers and the elderly

11:28 am on 13 May 2021

Papua New Guinea has recorded 504 new Covid-19 cases, increasing the total number of cases to 13,000.

A health worker takes a swab from a man at a Covid-19 testing centre in Port Moresby. Rates of testing in PNG are incredibly low.

A health worker takes a swab from a man at a Covid-19 testing centre in Port Moresby (file photo). Photo: AFP

Of the 504 cases recorded, the ages range from just two years old to 86, acording to the office of PNG's Pandemic Response Controller.

The cases were reported in 19 provinces with East New Britain reporting the highest of 249 cases.

It's understood many of the 504 cases relate to tests done weeks ago, with delays still being experienced in the reporting of Covid-19 infections from various provinces in PNG.

The Controller said that there have been 130 known deaths from Covid-19 in PNG, while a total of 10,915 recoveries have been recorded.

The government said Morobe reported 63 cases, NCD 34, Manus 28, Western Highlands 24, East Sepik and Central 15 cases each, Gulf 14, Southern Highlands and Madang 13 cases each, New Ireland 10 cases, Oro seven, West New Britain and Hela five cases each, Milne Bay and Jiwaka three cases each and Western and Enga a single case each.

All 22 provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville have reported cases.