Last updated:  21 February 2021

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain of Coronavirus (CoV) that was identified in 2019. On 11 March 2020, COVID-19 was characterized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Papua New Guinea remains on high alert while its National Control Center (NCC)  continues to coordinate national preparedness and response measures guided by its Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19.

Papua New Guinea is taking the threat of the pandemic seriously with an all-of-government approach in strengthening the country’s health system and engaging communities to keep them safe from the virus. Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include wearing of face mask or face covering in public places, keeping safe distance and regular hand washing.  The public is advised to minimize mass gatherings and avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.