papua new guinea

PNG Covid-19 death toll rises to 67, total cases 7,406

This was among 368 new COVID-19 cases reported for the same period, increasing the total number of cases in PNG to 7,406.

A government statement said the recent deaths were recorded in the National Capital District, New Ireland and Morobe provinces.

The country’s Covid-19 cases now stand at 7,406 with 67 known deaths.

Twenty provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) have reported cases.

ANZ extends fee waiver for money transfers to Pacific

Latest figures show the value and volume of transfers made by ANZ customers to the Pacific has increased substantially on the same period last year.

In February 2021 ANZ Australia and New Zealand customers sent a combined volume of 8,761 International Money Transfers worth AUD$12m (US$9.2 million) – a 95 percent increase in volume and 33 percent increase in value compared with the same period last year.

Money sent back to the Pacific from overseas, known as remittances, can make up a large part of a Pacific household's disposable income - up to 25 percent.

PNG MP Mendani dies of Covid-19

The death of Richard Mendani, who was 53, was announced over the weekend.

The Pandemic Controller David Manning said Medani's death came one year to the day that the first coronavirus infection was detected in PNG.

He said Mendani was admitted to the Pacific International Hospital Emergency Department on 24 February after suffering Covid symptoms.

He was initially diagnosed with pneumonia but as his condition worsened he was referred for further evaluation where it was confirmed he had Covid-19.

Five more people die of Covid-19 in PNG as cases continue to rise

The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 2,491, including 31 deaths.

Authorities said a lack of compliance with the "New Normal" or "Niupela Pasin" order had been a major challenge as the country continued to wrestle with the coronavirus.

The new cases come from 10 provinces, of which the National Capital District reported the 53 cases.

Additionally, there were two exported cases from PNG to a quarantine hotel in Brisbane, Australia.

Since early this year, the number of Covid-19 cases in PNG have continued to rise.

PNG's founding father laid to rest

The East Sepik capital yesterday hosted the burial service for the four-time PNG prime minister, which followed a state funeral held last Friday in Port Moresby.

There's been widespread mourning in PNG and across the Pacific for the loss of Sir Michael who died in late February of pancreatic cancer aged 84.

PNG organised a series of haus krais, or mourning events, over two weeks in Port Moresby for representatives of all the country's provinces to progressively come and pay respects to Sir Michael.

PNG reports 10 new cases of Covid-19

The latest cases were reported in West Sepik, Madang, East New Britain and in the National Capital District.

In the NCD, two men aged 45 year and 49 year who reside in Moresby South tested positive. They were both experiencing fever, muscle aches and had a cough at the time of testing.

East New Britain and Madang reported a case each while West Sepik reported six new cases.

A 36 year old female was the latest to be confirmed positive in the East New Britain province. She was experiencing symptoms.

New campaign to help Pacific islanders tackle online fraud and keep remittances flowing

The ‘Get Safe Online Pacific’ guidance provides essential tips and information for people across the Pacific to help make sure their experience of sending or receiving money overseas is successful, safe and economical.

Sending and receiving remittances to and from Pacific Island countries has become hugely important to the very survival of island nations throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the World Bank, in 2017 alone nearly 20% of Tonga’s GDP came from remittances.

Papua New Guinea nears 600 cases of Covid-19

It takes the country's total confirmed cases of the virus to the verge of 600.

A 30-year-old man from Tari Pori District is the first reported case of the coronavirus in

Hela Province.

West New Britain also reported four new cases - three males and one female, all from Talasea District.

The national pandemic controller's office says all the new cases were symptomatic at the time of testing.

Rapid response teams are conducting case investigations and contact tracing.

To date, PNG has confirmed 597 cases and seven covid-related deaths.

Pacific Heads of Customs administrations pledge to work together

At the conclusion of the OCO Heads Annual Conference on October 20, themed “Working together to build a safer Blue Pacific”, leaders of Customs administrations in the region stated the loss in revenue collection for their governments due to the closure of borders as their biggest cost of COVID-19.

However, in addition to generating revenue for their governments, Customs administrations are increasingly being presented with other challenges such as the rise of illicit drugs, contraband goods and having to crew quarantine centers.

PNG public reminded to remain vigilant against COVID-19

To date, Papua New Guinea has 588 total confirmed COVID-19 cases. The National Capital District (NCD) has the highest number of cases with 342, followed by Western Province with 203. There are 14 provinces in the country that have reported cases.

“I remind all the provinces to continue and sustain your preparedness efforts. Use this opportunity to build your capacity and do not wait until a case is reported, ” Manning said.