Port Moresby General Hospital Photo: POM General Hospital
The number of coronavirus cases in Papua New Guinea has passed 150, with 39 new cases confirmed on Wednesday night.
The cases were mostly patients and health workers from the main hospital in the capital, Port Moresby. But one case was confirmed in Western province and another in West Sepik.
Efforts are underway to stop the virus from spreading to remote areas, but the virus has already been confirmed in three provinces outside the National Capital District, albeit in low numbers.
To date, there have been a total of 153 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in PNG with 2 deaths.
Forty four people have been discharged and there are 101 active cases.
Meanwhile, a team of Australian health workers - including doctors, nurses and lab and logistics specialists - have arrived in PNG to help the country deal with the spike in cases.
Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp said they will provide support in areas like case management and testing.