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ABG to re-launch mobile phone messages for COVID19 awareness

The Autonomous Bougainville Government will relaunch COVID-19 mobile phone awareness in response to a rise in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bougainville and elsewhere in Papua New Guinea.

Beginning Friday March 19, health messages will be sent to all Digicel mobile phones, with a freecall Bougainville COVID hotline – 74460830 – also available for official information and advice. Radio spots and community mobilisation activities have also begun.

Bougainville Health Secretary and Chair of the Public Health Committee, Mr Clement Totavun, said sending vital public health information direct to people’s mobile phones had been effective during the first wave of the pandemic.

“During the first wave, Bougainville kept the number of confirmed cases to just two.”

“Keeping people aware of the risk, aware of what to do to stay safe and when to get tested, is critical to our health response. Over 20% of the total population have a mobile phone, and this awareness can get to places where mass media does not”, Mr Totavun said.

The mobile phone-based awareness campaign is part of a package of support to the Autonomous Bougainville Government from Australia to help combat COVID-19 including the construction of isolation facilities, community awareness and direct financial support.

Mr Totavun said he encouraged all Bougainvilleans to remain calm, practice good health like wearing face masks in public, avoiding crowds, reducing travel and washing hands regularly.

“If you feel unwell, please get tested or call our free hotline for advice,” Mr Totavun said.

“Coronavirus has struck almost every country around the world. No-one is immune, no matter your skin colour or gender. We know older people and those with poor health are most at risk, most people get better, but we need to reduce the spread to help our health workers help keep us safe.”

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