Milne Bay has now recorded TWENTY- SEVEN (27) POSITIVE COVID19 CASES so far, including THREE (3) COVID19 RELATED DEATHS but who had underlying health comorbid conditions that predominantly contributed to their deaths.
All are over 45 years old. Eleven (11) of those are new cases and reported only this week alone starting from the weekend. Most new cases are isolated and monitored in the Alotau General Hospital COVID19 ward.
Other mild cases and asymptomatic are self-isolated and continue to adhere to protocols and monitored by the health team. The Provincial Government renovated COVID-19 ward at the Sanderson Bay is also being made available to soon take in and accommodate new cases should the situation worsen.
“It is obvious that despite the COVID-19 messages, awareness and advocacy, and issuing of compliance measures, most people do not seem to adhere to the messages. As the Provincial Controller and Provincial Administrator, I would like to reiterate that it is critical that we all must adhere to the COVID-19 measures and protocols that have been disseminated to the public through various mediums including social media, radio and even public awareness,” said Mr Ashan Numa.
“We all need to do our part and comply with these measures for our own wellbeing and that of others. There are many who may overcome the virus if they contract it because of their good health and age. However, there are others who are elderly or have underlying issues and are very much vulnerable.”
“These include our health workers, who are now under so much pressure to attend to COVID-19 cases as well as attend to other illness and diseases that still need to be cared for. These are the people we must consider as well as yourselves and your families during this time by doing your part in adhering to the COVID-19 measures.”
“There are also reports of stigma faced by COVID-19 infected people and our health workers, most likely out of fear. This shows a lack of knowledge and understanding of the virus, which causes confusion and raises unfounded basis for fear.”
CEO for PHA, Dr Mamadi, clearly explains and sums it up in his own words. “COVID-19 is in Alotau and we can say Milne Bay Province. It is important not to fear. It is also important that any information that we receive is factual. Public Health Interventions are the most important measures in controlling and taking charge of COVID-19. We will continue to see and experience COVID-19 in the community. It is now upon us to take charge of our own situation. It is not anyone’s fault that COVID19 came to Alotau.”
“Last year it was in Wuhan, China but now it is here in Alotau. We do not have to fear but we must ensure that together as a community we are safe. Public Health Interventions must be a Must for us All. Take Care and God Bless.” Dr Mamadi said.
“We have just gone through the first week of the National Government’s Isolation Strategy. And it is slightly encouraging to see that everyone is making the effort from business houses, markets, bus stops and public and private offices, but we need to do more to fully comply.”
“If compliance is not adhered to and we see numbers of cases rise even further come next week, stricter measures will need to be enforced. We do not want added restrictions but if the situation does not improve we will need to do it for everyone’s sake.”
Picture source: Ashan Numa FB page
(MBP Provincial Administrator/Provincial Pandemic Controller)