Bougainville has recorded a third positive COVID19 case in the region as of last night.

Chairman of the Bougainville Public Health Committee and Health Secretary, Clement Totavun, announced this today in a media conference.

“As of last night we now have three cases in Bougainville. On Tuesday we confirmed one female case and yesterday we confirmed another male case,” Totavun said.

The Health teams have up scaled sample collection and testing in a coordinated effort to verify the extent of transmission.

“More samples are being collected by our team and they will be tested here and we will be able to give an update to our people here in the region.”

Mr Totavun said the Clinical Team has confirmed that two positive cases are currently stable and are being kept in isolation and are being monitored daily.

Contact tracing has commenced for the immediate family members and others that have been identified.

Mr Totavun appealed to the public to come forward for voluntary testing if you are not feeling well or are displaying the symptoms of fever, dry cough, sore throat or shortness of breath. Voluntary testing is free and is being conducted at the Triage Center located at the Buka General Hospital.

Meantime, Chief of the Bougainville Police Service Francis Tokura says the Bougainville Police Service stands ready to support the Bougainville Public Health Committee in enforcing the basic public health measures that are also part of basic policing.

He announced that police will be monitoring the number of passengers on PMVs, and other travelling vehicles including boats across the region, and crowd control in public places.

The State of Emergency had lapsed in December 2020, however, the possibility of having another emergency declared on Bougainville will be determined by the ABG upon advice from the health authorities.

The public is again urged to adhere to the Niupela Pasin preventive measures which include frequent washing of hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, wear a facemask in public places and keep at least 1.5meters distance, cough or sneeze into your bent elbow and avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose.

If you are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19, call the Toll Free number on 74460830 or visit your nearest health facility.

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