Papua New Guinea's National Pandemic Response Controller says the public must do all it can to prevent Covid-19 spreading from towns to remote areas.
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister james Marape (right) with the Controller of the National Pandemic Response, Police Commissioner David Manning. Photo: PNG PM Media Unit
David Manning's statement comes after the number of confirmed Covid cases in PNG hurtled past 2000.
The Controller this morning released details of 360 cases recorded over three days, bringing the national total of confirmed cases to 2,173. The death toll is 21.
All but three of PNG's 22 provinces have now recorded cases with the National Capital District recording over a thousand.
David Manning appealed to people living in urban areas to ensure they do not carry the virus to rural and remote areas where it's difficult for people to seek health care.
He reiterated the need for the public to follow health guidelines including mask use, washing hands and avoiding crowds.
However with many thousands of people having gathered in towns over recent days to mourn for the country's first prime minister Sir Michael Somare, authorities fear the case numbers could climb dramatically in weeks to come.
Govt buildings shut down
Meanwhile the government's main office building was set to go into a four-day lockdown this week amid a surge in Covid-19 cases.
As many as 12 MPs, as well as numerous officials, have tested positive for the virus, with PNG's total number of confirmed cases steadily nearing 2000.
A statement from Prime Minister James Marape's office said the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council's Sir Manasupe Haus Building would go into lockdown for four days this week.
Secretary to Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ivan Pomaleu, said the lockdown was aimed at mitigating the spread of the coronavirus after the Department recorded cases among staff recently.
He said the four-day lock down is to give time to get the office building deep cleaned.