The Controller of the COVID-19 National Pandemic Response and Police Commissioner, David Manning, has called on all citizens to strictly comply to practices that prevent community transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 

Controller Manning warns that with festive season approaching, there will be significant increase in the movement of people, including students returning for holidays. These activities could ignite the spread of the virus in the community. 

Mr Manning said, “As we enter the holiday season, citizens must comply to strict COVID-19 protocols. Do not take home the virus, protect your elderly and vulnerable family members by always wearing face masks in public places, sanitize your hands frequently and keep away from crowded places.

“I also urge the health care workers and those involved in caring for others to look after your health and adhere to strict infection prevention and control practices at work and in public places. 

"Reports reaching NCC states that people in many provinces, even in areas with surge of cases, continue to gather in big crowds and do not wear face masks in public places. This is concerning," says Mr Manning. 

In the last 24 hours, West New Britain (WNB) has reported 13 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the province’s total confirmed cases to 64. All the new cases are from the Talasea District. 

Meanwhile, the country’s total number of COVID-19 cases has reached 669, including seven known COVID-19 deaths. 

To date, 16 of the 22 provinces in the country have confirmed cases of COVID-19. The distribution of the cases is as follows: 

Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 62,323,527, including 496,892 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll is 1,456,687; of which 7,697 were reported in the last 24 hours.