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Papua New Guinea has reported its highest daily number of cases yet - 55.
This number includes 37 from the large and remote Western Province, taking its total to 47 - the largest number of inections outside of the capital, Port Moresby.
The national tally is 269.
The Ok Tedi copper and gold mine has suspended operations, after seven of its workers tested positive
An employee of Starwest Construction, Paul Asek, says contract work related to Ok Tedi has also been suspended
But as cases surge, refugees stranded there by Australia fear they are too weak to fight off infection.
About 180 men remain in Papua New Guinea, seven years after being detained on Manus Island.
Ben Robinson Drawbridge reports.
CBD of Papua New Guinea's capital Port Moresby. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades