Covid-19 cases in PNG surging: Doctor

The PNG NATIONAL Pandemic Response deputy controller Dr Daoni Esorom is warning Papua New Guineans to be more vigilant and alert to the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Omicron variant and its sub-variants.
“From data, the spread is significant in the National Capital District, New Ireland, Madang, Western Highlands, Hela, Morobe and East Sepik.
“The other provinces are going through the same surges but they are not doing enough testing and sending the results to the National Control Centre (NCC),” he said.
Esorom said the fifth Covid-19 surge started in November and was expected to end in mid-February.
“The challenge we are currently having is that the provinces are not doing enough testing, thus we do not have visibility over the extent and spread of the surge.

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“Omicron spreads faster and the recovery will be quick if the right measures are taken.
“After the first set of symptoms, the recovery usually takes three to five days.
“The Omicron variant symptoms have changed and now people are showing the following symptoms – fever, cough, headaches, diarrhoe, joint and muscle pains.
“General body aches, running nose and red eyes are other symptoms.
“Previously, many people only came down with dry cough, fever, running nose, loss of taste and smell.
“We are still in the pandemic phase and Papua New Guinea (PNG) must continue to do what we have been doing to control the spread of Covid-19,” he said.
Esorom said PNG was monitoring what was happening globally and that there was a surge in Covid-19 cases in China after it relaxed zero Covid-19 policy.
“Surges are seen in India, South Korea and Japan,” he added.
“We will advise the Controller on what measures the country will take.
“Although we have relaxed all the measures, our people must be vigilant.
“They must go and get tested if they have any Covid-19 symptoms.”
Esorom said it was important for people to continue observing the following:

• STAY outdoors in the sun;
• EAT and rest well;
• DRINK enough water;
• AVOID going into crowded places and wear a mask;
• TEST if you have symptoms;
• SEEK medical attention quickly when experiencing symptoms; and,
• GET vaccinated.

Esorom said those aged 50 and above and those with co-morbidities and the frontline workers needed to be vaccinated to protect themselves from hospitalization or death.
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The National / PNG Health Watch

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