The number of Covid-19 cases in Papua New Guinea continues to rise.
Covid-19 health screening at the Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby. Photo: PNG Department of Health
The National Pandemic Response Controller reported 87 new cases in the past day , taking PNG's total to 1,670.
It means that in the past five weeks, PNG has reported about 800 new cases.
The latest cases were reported in four provinces:
West Sepik with 12 new cases, Morobe with 20, National Capital District with 46, and Eastern Highlands one case.
The National Capital District has by far the most confirmed cases, with 704.
Western Province has 325 confirmed cases, West New Britain has 196 and West Sepik 174.
PNG Pandemic Response Controller, David Manning Photo: EMTV
Controller alarmed at deaths
The Controller, David Manning, urged citizens to take the pandemic seriously, saying there was no cure.
"Our best defence is to protect ourselves and our loved ones by strictly following all the Covid-19 health protocols. By now people should know that COVID-19 is real. It is no joke or a laughing matter.
"I am alarmed at the unusually high number of deaths around the country," Manning said.
"Whilst we have not yet confirmed the cause of death in many of these cases, the possibility that Covid-19 could be responsible in some of them cannot be ruled out."
According to the Controller's office, there have been 16 known deaths from the coronavirus to date.
Manning called on citizens to adhere to preventative measures during the pandemic.
These include wearing a mask or face covering in all public places, and limitations on social gatherings.
People were also advised to clean their hands often, maintain physical distance of 1.5 metres from others and to refrain from touching one's face.
The Rita Flynn Covid Centre was opened last year to isolate cases Photo: PNG Department of Health
Sharp rise in Covid-19 cases in Bougainville
A surge in Covid-19 cases had authorities worried in the Autonomous Papua New Guinea region of Bougainville.
Bougainville's Health Secretary, Clement Totavun this morning said on social media that his region had 68 confirmed cases, although the National Controller had the figure at 39.
This comes after dozens of new cases were reported in Bougainville over the past week.
Totavun said Bougainville's Public Health Committee would meet tomorrow to decide on the next course of action.
Earlier, Bougainville's President Ishmael Toroama said his executive was considering placing the capital Buka in a 14-day lockdown to stem the surge in cases.
The waterways of Buka Photo: AFP