Advertisment

WHO's warning of covid surge during PNG election

Protect yourself and others from a potential surge in Covid-19 cases during the upcoming Papua New Guinea election. The World Health Organization warns that failure to follow control measures could put vulnerable individuals at risk of severe illness and even death. With low testing rates and high community transmission, the Omicron variant is expected to be present in all provinces by June. Stay safe by wearing masks, sanitizing hands, and getting vaccinated. Let's prioritize the health and well-being of all citizens during this critical time.

author-image
Medriva Newsroom
New Update

NULL

Advertisment

A health expert has warned of an increase in Covid-19 cases if people do not follow control measures during the July election in Papua New Guinea.

Advertisment

According to Anup Gurung of the World Health Organization's PNG office, a new wave would put vulnerable people at risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

According to Dr. Gurung, the Delta surge last year increased mortality in vulnerable groups.

He claims that because of the country's low testing rates, fewer cases of the latest variant Omicron were reported, despite high community transmission from January to February.

Advertisment

Dr. Gurung anticipates that all provinces will have the Omicron variant by June, and he advises young people to be respectful of older people and cautious in election gatherings.

According to him, a person infected with Covid-19 could infect at least three to five people.

He advised that if crowds were unavoidable, people should wear masks, sanitize their hands, and get vaccinated.

Advertisment

PNG had the lowest Covid-19 vaccine coverage in the western Pacific region, with only 30% of health workers vaccinated.

Nominations for the general election in Papua New Guinea opened Thursday morning, after a week's delay due to the death of Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil.

The nomination period ends on Thursday, May 26.

PG
Advertisment
Chat with Dr. Medriva !