Mask up and stop the spread!

COVID-19 is real and is rapidly spreading across PNG. Prime Minister Marape confirmed yesterday that community transmission is widespread and has urged Papua New Guineans to take individual responsibility for themselves.

You can prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following strict, simple measures:

1. Wear a face mask. Double mask if you can to provide extra protection. Face masks should be at least three layers.

2. Hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap or hand sanitiser multiple times a day. If you touch someone or something, do not touch your face or hair until you wash your hands again.

3. Keep a 1.5m physical distance away from other people. Minimise your movements and travel as much as possible.

4. Isolate and seek testing and medical advice if you are sick. If you have no access to COVID-19 testing, you should isolate in your home for a 14 day period if you have any cold and flu symptoms.

Our Strongim Meri Bisnis Women’s Groups across the country have been sewing face masks to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in their communities, using simple-to-follow patterns.

If you have access to a sewing machine, you too can make your own masks, using either of the following patterns:

GATHERED 3 LAYER PATTERN

DUCKBILL STYLE PATTERN

Our thanks to the Centre for Disease Control and ShannieMakes for sharing their patterns.

Stay safe and vigilant PNG!