Controller of the National Pandemic Response, David Manning has called on all citizens to use the Christmas celebrations leading into new year to reflect on how they have fared this year in their compliance to COVID-19 protocols with an aim to improve in the new year (2021).
Controller Manning when making the call, urged citizens to remain vigilant of the dangers of COVID-19 during the time of Christmas and New year celebrations.
Mr Manning reiterated his earlier calls further calling on citizens to practice basic hygiene and safe distancing as part of a new culture as individuals, families and communities prepare to celebrate the festive season.
With six days before Christmas, Mr Manning is concerned that citizens may drop their guard against the virus during the time of celebrations.
“Every citizens must adopt to behaviors and actions that are consistently practiced to reduce risk of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases,” says Mr Manning.
He said citizens must not lose sight of measures contained in the new normal during the time of celebrations. He said the measures contained in the new normal are as follows:
- Clean your hands often. Wash with soap and water or use an alcohol based sanitizer;
- Keep a physical distance of at least 1.5 meters between yourself and others;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
- Greet others with a smile, a nod or a simple hello-no handshakes, no fist bumps and no high fives.
- Cough and sneeze in your bent elbow and not your hands;
- Limit social gathering and time spent in crowded places;
- Wear a face mask or face covering in all public places to protect yourself and others; and
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Meanwhile, the country’s total positive cases todate stands at 761 and 9 deaths. Sixteen provinces including AROB have reported cases. The distribution of the cases is as follows:
| Provinces | Cases |
| NCD | 361 |
| Western Province | 204 |
| West New Britain | 124 |
| Eastern H/lands | 13 |
| East new Britain | 13 |
| Western H/lands | 10 |
| Central | 9 |
| New Ireland | 8 |
| Morobe | 6 |
| East Sepik | 3 |
| Enga | 3 |
| Milne Bay | 2 |
| West Sepik | 2 |
| Southern H/lands | 1 |
| AROB | 1 |
| Hela Province | 1 |
| TOTAL | 761 |
Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 72,851,747, including 642,738 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll is 1,643,339; of which 12,407 were reported in the last 24 hours.