Misinformation and violence spikes in PNG as COVID-19 outbreak continues
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In the wake of the devastating outbreak of COVID-19 in Papua New Guinea, recent monitoring of our COVID-19 information programs in the country found that the majority of communities in remote areas still have extremely limited knowledge of the virus and how to prevent its spread.
“Just a few weeks ago a woman was sick and refused to go into the hospital for fear of being tested positive and isolated,” said Diane Unagi, Caritas Australia’s Country Manager in PNG.
“People are avoiding being tested because they are worried that they will be locked up when they hear the word isolation.”
Hospitals in Papua New Guinea are under immense strain as the country faces a worsening Covid-19 crisis.
So far, Australia s closest neighbour has recorded more than 1,400 active cases. In reality, we are in crisis, but the bulk of the population are unaware of what s really happening, said Diane Unagi, Caritas Representative for PNG.
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Duration: 10min 15sec