PNG Haus Bung

The Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response David Manning and two members of his family have tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently in isolation. Mr Manning said that his COVID-19 results including those of the two members of his family were confirmed on Saturday 20 February. Mr Manning said, “Given the nature of my job as the Controller and the high level of exposure this was bound to happen sooner or later. “As per COVID-19 protocols we are now in isolation. The only people who will have access to us will be the medical teams from the National Department of Health. “The Surveillance and Monitoring team of NDOH have also begun contact tracing as well. All those people whom I have had contact with in the recent past will be tested as well.” Mr Manning said that he has always been impressing upon the need for citizens to do COVID-19 tests so that they can know their status and protect their family. “I have been telling people to be tested for COVID-19 and as the Controller I had to take the test. I am glad I did so I am now taking measures to protect my family. “I urge everyone to go to your nearest health centre and get tested. It is by knowing your status you can then take steps to protect your loved ones, especially the most vulnerable including the old and those with existing medical conditions. “Do not be afraid. COVID-19 is like getting the flu but it is five times worse and lasts a bit longer. Being tested positive for COVID-19 is not a death sentence. Statistics have indicated most people have recovered from COVID-19,” Mr Manning said. Meanwhile the Controller expressed serious concerns about the low number of COVID-19 tests being done in PNG. “Our COVID-19 response is more than 12 months in place but we have only tested about 50,000 people. This is roughly 0.5 per cent of the PNG population. I want to see more tests being done around the country so that we can have a fair idea of where the pandemic is in PNG and take measures to mitigate and contain it,” Mr Manning said. In conclusion Mr Manning reminded citizens to be vigilant and strictly follow all the COVID-19 health protocols including the wearing of face masks, social distancing, avoiding crowds, coughing into elbows and washing or sanitizing of hands.

Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response David Manning and two members of his family have tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently in isolation. Mr Manning said that his COVID-19 results including those of the two members of his family were confirmed on Saturday 20 February. Mr Manning said, “Given the nature of my job as the Controller and the high level of exposure this was bound to happen sooner or later. Contiune to practise Covid19 safety measures and keep listening to the news on this station and follow out news website: pnghausbung.com for more on this story.

The Somare family has announced with sadness that their father and PNG's Founding Father Sir Michael Somare had befallen a serious illness of pancreatic cancer which is at a critical stage. The family along with his medical teams are giving him the utmost care that he deserves in Port Moresby. “After comprehensive consultation to ensure all clinical opportunities were exhausted in every jurisdiction with the competencies able to treat the critical stage of this form of cancer, the family in consultation with the Grand chief and Lady Veronica have settled with offering the best palliative care and nutritional and dietary care in PNG," a statement said. “Due to the numerous enquiries, we thought it best to be forthright so the public knows the exact extent of this terrible illness." “Many families have experienced such grief and today it's our turn. We, thus take this opportunity to thank the many Papua New Guineans that have sent in their well wishes and prayers for the health and well-being of Sir Michael and Lady Veronica." “We as a family continue to ask people of Papua New Guinea for your prayers for Sir Michael and all others that are critically ill and suffering quietly around the country." Photo sourced: pmnec.gov.pg

Papua New Guinea reported 59 new cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Friday 19th increasing the country’s total cases to 1,029. The latest cases were reported in Western Province, West Sepik and in the National Capital District. Of the 47 total cases reported in Western Province, 37 are male, nine female and one unknown. The youngest of the 47 cases was 11-year-old whilst the oldest was 53. Forty-three of the 47 cases showed symptoms of COVID-19 virus whilst four did not show symptoms at the time of testing. They were all detected by the Ok Tedi Mine through testing at the entry point into Tabubil. In West Sepik, nine cases were reported of which seven are male and two females, ages ranging from 18 to 65 years. Eight out of the nine cases did not show symptoms of COVID-19 virus at the time of testing. At the time of testing one case was showing symptoms of COVID-19. All nine cases are from the Vanimo Green electorate. In the NCD, three cases were reported. All cases are male, ages ranging from 47 to 61 years. Two out of the three cases showed symptoms of COVID-19 virus whilst one did not at the time of testing. All three cases returned from a recent trip to Madang, Morobe and New Ireland provinces. As of Friday 19 February 2021, the country's COVID-19 cases stands at 1,029 with 10 known deaths. A total of 47,490 people have tested for COVID-19. Eight hundred and forty-six people have recovered whilst 380 samples are pending at the laboratories. One hundred and sixty-four active cases are in isolation. Seventeen provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) have reported cases. The distribution of the cases is as follows: Provinces                        Confirmed Cases NCD                                 386 Western Province            280 West New Britain             194 East New Britain               34 Madang                            34 West Sepik                       25 New Ireland                      22 Eastern Highlands           13 Central                             11 Western Highlands          10 Morobe                             9 East Sepik                        3 Enga                                3 Milne Bay                         2 AROB                              1 Hela Province                  1 SHP                                 1 TOTAL                             1,029 Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 109,594,835 including 363,654 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll is 2,424,060 of which 9,619 were reported in the last 24 hours.

This just in, 59 new COVID-19 cases have just been confirmed! The cases reported are in 47 cases in Western, 9 in West Sepik & 3 cases in NCD. This now brings the total number of COVID-19 cases for PNG to 1029. Of this, 164 are active cases, 10 known deaths & 846 have recovered. Continue to practice COVID-19 safety protocols and keep listening to the news on this station & follow our news website: pnghausbung.com for more on this story.

Prime Minister James Marape signed a sports partnership agreement on rugby league with Australia. He signed it with Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Jonathan Philp, after they farewelled the PNG Hunters team to Queensland. The agreement will pave way for two technical officials, paid for by Australia, to help the Hunters in the areas of marketing, and professional sports and career development. PM Marape said the level of relationship and cooperation between the two governments, at people-to-people level and now in sports, was getting stronger. “On the back of PNG Hunters leaving for a long-term residential stay in Australia, we are happy to sign a partnership in the area of sports, especially rugby league, between our two nations and stakeholders in sports, " he said. “The partnership is reaching another level where we are fielding a sports team, our own PNG SP Hunters rugby league team, to be based in Australia for up to nine months for the 2021 Queensland Cup season." “The Hunters being able to leave our shores and go and reside and play in Australia is made possible under Visa Class 408, where our Hunters franchise is now an Australia registered entity." “That is a very strong partnership at the highest level with the Australian Government and its mission here in Port Moresby, and the kind support from the governments of Australia and State of Queensland." “We are now sending a team to reside and participate in their Queensland Cup competition and that is a pathway for Papua New Guineans who want to excel in the fields of sports." PM Marape said the PNG Government, under his leadership, had deliberately parked sports with the Ministry of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (DHERST) to ensure sports became a career option for young people. He said PNG also wanted to ensure its elite sports personalities were able to go and live, work and or play in Australia. “Australia is the closest market for us to export our sportsmen and sportswomen, as well as in other areas of work and life beyond high school and rugby league, " PM Marape said. “We are now exploring all other available options between PNG and Australia. We are starting off with rugby league but we also want to expand into other sports as well. Today, we have sent off our Hunters, and we are happy as we want to use that as a stepping stone to get a PNG Team in the Australian NRL." “But before that, we have to tidy our local rugby league competition in the country to produce more talents to join our semi-professional competitions and make their way onto the PNG Hunters."

The SP PNG HUNTERS traveled to Australia on Sunday in preparation for the Intrust Super Cup 2021 season in Queensland Australia. Their farewell was witnessed by Prime Minster James Marape, Australian High Commissioner, Jon Philp, Minister for Sports, and Higher Education, Science, Research and Technology, Wesley Raminai and Chairman of the PNG Rugby League, Mr Sandis Tsaka and other prominent figures. “I represent the entire country and the family of sponsors, Kumul Petroleum, National Gaming Board, SP Brewery, we are all right behind you, the entire Hunters team, players and coach, safe travels, represent your country very well “, said Mr Marape PM Marape said this was a ground breaking event for us as a country to relocate one of our National teams, a National Franchise into Queensland Australia and this is a start of the journey that can be something big moving into the future as we move the concept of PNG filling an NRL team into the future. “So all you players, grab this with great opportunities, through the family of sponsors we will be working with Australian Government very closely, not just on your welfare, well being and sports but looking at areas of Education as you go down and represent us in playing rugby league”, said Mr Marape The farewell was very emotional and quiet with no family members, friends and fans of the players present to bid the players goodbye due to the fact that they are still under lockdown and very tight and strict measures were considered when moving around. “Congratulations to each and every one of you, you’ve earned your spot. Live up, represent your country very well. All the best in your journey individually but collectively we wish Hunters a very successful 2021 and hopefully you come home with the trophy towards the end of the year”, said Mr Marape The players will continue two extra weeks in lock down when they arrive in Australia. The team will play their first match on the 20th March 2021 against WM Seagulls.

The Badihagwa Technical Secondary School in Port Moresby will no longer be accepting any more transfer in students as the school is already full to capacity across all grades. Principal Mr. Maru Bala made this statement after a good number of parents have been turning up at the school since week one of the academic year looking for space to transfer their children from other schools. The school has 34 classes with at least over 50 students in one class. “Normally we are supposed to have 45 students in one class but due to the Free Education Policy, we have seen an increase of student numbers which has forced us to have around 50-60 students per class” Mr Bala also clarified that National Selection for grade 11 is over and no parent should be looking for grade 11 space at Badihagwa without an offer letter. “Any parent that is looking for grade 11 space must bring their child’s offer letter to be considered or put on waiting list” He said it is the same with grade 9 and 10 with some students re-enrolling after withdrawing from school last year due to COVID-19. “We have told those students who wanted to withdraw last year that their space for this year will not be guaranteed so now we already have over-crowding in the classrooms with grade 10 continuing students and those who will repeat” Meanwhile teachers have already started lessons as the Academic heads into the 4th week of schooling.

Cousin Brothers, Donald Joshua Rozaire Jerram (20) and Ronald John Jerram (19) from a mixed parentage of Kairuku in the Central Province and Belfast in the Northern Ireland are both in the running to win the title of the Mr Cosmopolitan 2021 Competition. When asked why they joined the Mr Cosmopolitan Competition, Donald said that he saw the competition was a good stepping stone into the modeling industry whilst Ronald said that it was something he never saw himself engaging in but wanted to inspire himself by taking part and to try give his best. “If I am to win the title of Mr Cosmopolitan 2021, that would be an added bonus because I would have an actual job”, said Donald. Ronald on the other hand said that if he was the winner of the competition, he would use his title to inspire those out there to join the modeling industry. Donald in his Toana wear When asked what they wanted to get out of the competition, Donald said that “Experience and self-confidence, a job, connections to other people and organizations is what I want to personally achieve at the end of my journey in this competition”. He added on saying that most importantly, to help him find a job to keep him busy whilst he finds money to pay for his school fees. On the other hand, Ronald said that the biggest challenge he faced during the competition was looking for matching outfits to fit the categories. The categories from their respective heats, the Jerram brother’s both enjoyed the ‘Toana Wear’ category because the attire had a mixture of traditional and modern mix to it. “This outfit was my personal favorite because the outfit was hand sewn by my girlfriend and his sister in law”, said Donald. The Jerram brother’s said that watching their parents and family members spend their time and money to help and support them during the course of the competition is something which they are very grateful for. Ronald in his Toana Wear Both the Jerram brothers have made it into the Semi Finals of the Mr Cosmopolitan and are hoping to make it into the Grand Finale of the competition. “My message to the others, good luck, all the best and give it your all, own the stage like it’s yours and surprise everyone with your creativity”, said Donald. “To my fellow competitors, I truly wish you all the best and I encourage you all to do your best and most importantly have fun”, said Ronald.

Bank of South Pacific has certain branches open today nationwide. The Bank is accepting School & Tertiary related Fee Deposits today,  Saturday 20th February, 2021, between 9am and 1pm at the following Branches: • Alotau • Goroka • Kiunga • Kokopo • Lae Top Town • Madang • Mt Hagen • Popondetta • Tari • Waigani Banking Centre • Kimbe • Wewak

Papua New Guinea reported nine new cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Thursday 18 February increasing the country’s total cases to 970. The latest cases were reported in East New Britain, Madang and in the National Capital District. In East New Britain, a 26 year old and a 40 year old female both residing at Vunabuk area have confirmed positive. They both did not show symptoms of the COVID-19 virus at the time of testing but swab samples returned positive. In Madang, a total of five cases were reported. Five female and a male, ages ranging between 31 and 59 years have tested positive. All five cases showed symptoms of COVID-19 virus at the time of testing. Two cases were reported in the National Capital District. A 40 year old and a 61 year old female who reside in the Moresby North West electorate tested positive. They both were showing symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing. The country's COVID-19 cases as a result stands at 970 with 10 known deaths. Seventeen provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) have reported cases. The distribution of the cases is as follows: Provinces                        Confirmed Cases NCD                                 383 Western Province            233 West New Britain             194 East New Britain               34 Madang                             34 New Ireland                       22 West Sepik                        16 Eastern Highlands             13 Central                               11 Western Highlands            10 Morobe                               9 East Sepik                          3 Enga                                   3 Milne Bay                            2 AROB                                  1 Hela Province                      1 SHP                                    1 TOTAL                             970 Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 109,217,366 including 348,150 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll is 2,413,912 of which 8,251 were reported in the last 24 hours.

News just in: Nine new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the last 24 hours in East New Britain, Madang and NCD increasing the country’s total to 970. Of the nine new cases, five (5) of them are from Madang, two (2) in ENB and two (2) in NCD. Total cases are at 970 with 10 known deaths. Keep your C-19 safety practises, listen to the news on this stations and follow our website pnghausbung.com for more.