Papua New Guinea has recorded seven new COVID-19 cases this week, increasing the total number of cases to 16,398.

The cases were reported in four provinces: the National Capital District with three; Central two; and Madang and Hela one case each.

Of the seven new cases reported, six were males whilst one was a female. Their ages range from 31 to 56 years. Two cases were showing symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing.

The country’s COVID-19 cases now stands at 16,398 with 164 known deaths. A total of 15,711 people have recovered from COVID-19. To date, 117,373 people have been tested for COVID-19.

All 22 provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) have reported cases. The distribution of the cases are as follows:

·     NCD - 5,076;

·     Western Province - 2,385;

·     Morobe - 1,175;

·     East New Britain - 1,078;

·     Western Highlands – 985;

·     West New Britain – 997;

·     Eastern Highlands – 699;

·     New Ireland – 520;

·     West Sepik – 445;

·     AROB – 368;

·     Madang – 392;

·     Central – 263;

·     Enga – 267;

·     East Sepik – 230;

·     Manus – 380;

·     Simbu – 225;

·     SHP – 196;

·     Oro – 196;

·     Jiwaka – 146;

·     Milne Bay – 161;

·     Hela – 113; and

·     Gulf - 101.

Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 174,041,578 including 327,669 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll stands at 3,743,838 including 7,739 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.