A cluster of Covid-19 cases in Papua New Guinea's West New Britain has continued to grow with 13 new cases over the past day.
PNG Pandemic Response Controller, David Manning Photo: EMTV
The new infections bring the province's total count to 64 and the nation's to 669.
The Controller of the Pandemic Response, David Manning, responded by calling on all citizens to strictly comply to practices that help prevent community transmission of the coronavirus.
He said with the festive season approaching, there would be a significant increase in the movement of people, including students returning for holidays which could ignite the spread of the virus in the community.
"As we enter the holiday season, citizens must comply to strict Covid-19 protocols. Do not take home the virus, protect your elderly and vulnerable family members by always wearing face masks in public places, sanitize your hands frequently and keep away from crowded places.
"I also urge the health care workers and those involved in caring for others to look after your health and adhere to strict infection prevention and control practices at work and in public places."
Manning said there were reports reaching that people in many provinces, even in areas with a surge of cases, were continuing to gather in big crowds and not wear masks.
He said this was concerning.
