With the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases reported in Papua New Guinea, the peak bodies representing business, the private sector, and development partners are calling on its members to take the lead in promoting, and implementing necessary COVID-19 prevention protocols.
Papua New Guinea Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PNGCCI) and Business Council of PNG (BCPNG) are reminding businesses to implement the Niupela Pasin strategy at every workplace.
The following measures under the Niupela Pasin, are aimed to protect employees, clients and the general public at all workplaces
- If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work. Don’t socialise.
- If you have fever, cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing, call the COVID-19 Hotline
1-800200. If you are told to self-isolate, you must do so immediately.
- Maintain at least 1.5 meters between yourself, colleagues and clients.
- Greet each other with a smile, a nod or a simple hello – no handshakes or fist bumps!
- Clean and disinfect your workplace regularly – particularly door handles, phones, keyboards, elevator buttons, kitchens and bathrooms.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow, or use a tissue and dispose into bin immediately.
- Reduce gathering in the offices. Limit large in-person meetings or hold meetings via phone or over the internet.
- Wear a face mask or face covering in all public places to protect yourself and others.
- If you’re concerned about your wellbeing or have underlying health conditions, work with your doctors to understand how best to stay healthy
These are measures that are now a normal part of life.
As the voice of business, the private sector, and development partners, they would remind its members to ensure that all measures are taken to protect everyone from COVID-19. This is a shared responsibility, which all must play their part in addressing.
Given the recent spike in community transmission resulting in an increased positive COVID-19 case being reported, and the continued constraints faced by our health facilities, it is important that people take the lead in promoting, and practicing COVID-19 prevention protocols.
The PNGCCI and BCPNG acknowledge the efforts taken by the Government to contain the spread of COVID-19 and stand ready to assist where they could as partners in this challenge.
