One new COVID-19 death was recorded in the last 24 hours ending 12 midday on Saturday April 3, increasing the country’s total number of deaths to 61. This is added to the global death toll which now stands at 2,820,098 of which 11,626 were reported in the last 24 hours.
Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 129,215,179 including 659,917 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The latest PNG death was a 60-year-old female from the National Capital District, bringing the total deaths from COVID-19 in the NCD alone to 49.
West Sepik recorded three deaths whilst West New Britain, Western Highlands and Western Province recorded two deaths each. Enga province, Jiwaka and Morobe recorded a death each bringing the total number of deaths to 61.
Meanwhile, in the last 24 hours to 12 midday on Saturday April 3, 257 cases have been recorded increasing the country’s total number of cases to 6,857. Western Province reported 219 new cases of which 192 are males, 26 females and one not stated.
Their ages range from 16 years to 73. Of this 185 were asymptomatic whilst 32 showed symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing. NCD reported 16 new cases of which seven are males, eight females and one not stated.
Their ages range from 23 to 62 years. Of this 12 showed symptoms of COVID-19 whilst four were asymptomatic at the time of testing. East Sepik province reported 11 new cases of which five are males and six females with ages ranging from 27 to 49 years.
Of this 10 showed symptoms of COVID-19 whilst one case was asymptomatic at the time of testing. Southern Highlands province reported 11 new cases of which three are males and eight females. Their ages range from 35 years to 63.
All 11 showed symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing. The country’s COVID-19 cases now stands at 6,857 with 61 known deaths.
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) and 19 provinces have reported cases of COVID-19 as follows:
· NCD – 2,976 (49 deaths);
· Western Province – 1,719 (2 deaths);
· West Sepik – 325 (3 deaths);
· Eastern Highlands – 297;
· Morobe – 280 (1 death);
· East New Britain – 224;
· West New Britain – 214 (2 deaths);
· Western Highlands – 152 (2 deaths);
· AROB – 105;
· New Ireland – 89;
· East Sepik – 72;
· Madang – 71;
· Central – 67;
· Southern Highland – 66;
· Simbu – 65;
· Enga – 53 (1 death);
· Jiwaka – 33 (1 death);
· Hela – 23;
· Gulf – 13; and
· Milne Bay – 13.
Police Commissioner and PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Controller David Manning repeated calls for the public to observe the COVID-19 health protocols.
“Wash your hands or sanitise regularly, wear face masks, keep a physical distance of at least 1.5 meters and avoid crowds. Protect yourself and protect your loved ones. Stop the spread of COVID-19,” Mr Manning said.
The Controller also appealed to the educated elites of PNG to rally behind and support the Joint Agency Task Force in the fight against COVID-19.
“This is a new disease that is not only affecting PNG but the world as well. We are doing the best we can at the National Control Centre but it does not help anyone at all when our educated elites are spreading so much misinformation to the people. This is causing fear and anxiety and can potentially derail our efforts.
“To give credit where it is due, we kept PNG safe for over a year with the stringent measures we put in place. As the Controller I’d like to thank the frontline workers, especially those in the health sector, the doctors, nurses, and everyone who committed themselves to keeping our people safe.”
“They now continue to do their utmost best despite all the disadvantages and under trying circumstances. The last thing they need is having our educated elites second guessing them every step of the way. We need your help, if you have something new to offer in our fight against COVID-19 please come see us. Do not post over the social media because you will only create more fear, panic and anxiety. Work with us and together we can stop COVID-19,” appealed Mr Manning.