Numbers released at the weekend revealed that in a single day, 28 health workers tested positive. At the same time, he said there were 225 new cases and the death toll rising to 162.

 

In all, PNG's Covid infection total is 15,722.

 

There is now a total of 1533 health care workers who have tested positive for the virus since the new wave hit nearly three months ago.

 

Manning said a substantial number of health workers have yet to get vaccinated, while a total of 28,677 essential workers have so far received it. He added that PNG's health system was under stress and the country cannot afford to have its health workers testing positive in large numbers.

 

He stressed the need for health workers to wear the correct personal protection equipment at all times while on duty.