The Minister for State Enterprises, Mr Sasindran Muthuvel, today encouraged citizens to take extra care during the coming Easter celebrations.

“The best advice is to stay home, stay safe and stay health,” he said. “Try to avoid large gatherings as you celebrate, and maintain a safe distance from other people.

“If you do need to leave your home, take extra care by maintaining good health practices such as washing your hands thoroughly, and keeping your surroundings and possessions as clean as possible.

“Easter is a time for families to enjoy – but while the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, it is critical that we act responsibly and with respect for the well-being of ourselves and others.”

Minister Muthuvel, who is a leading Pangu Party MP in the Islands region, also sent his best wishes for a speedy recovery to the latest victim, a volunteer health worker in East New Britain.

He asked the public to refrain from stigmatising coronavirus victims, especially front-line health workers who had caught the virus.

“These people are our first line of defence, and they deserve all our support,” he said. He also congratulated national and provincial health and emergency workers for their swift and effective response.

“The responsible authorities in East New Britain and elsewhere in the region have done a wonderful job in very difficult circumstances, and I am sure that by the time this is over, they will have saved many lives. They deserve our gratitude and praise.”

Mr Muthuvel said Kumul Consolidated Holdings and other SOEs were continuing to support the fight against COVID-19 through donations of Personal Protective Equipment, and other measures such as logistical support, as well as keeping critical services and infrastructure operating.

“I will be returning to West New Britain for Easter, and I will be taking with me supplies of PPE donated by KCH for use by people on the front line,” he said. “Other provinces are also receiving similar PPE donations.

“This is part of the significant effort by KCH and SOEs to support the Marape Government’s efforts to minimise the spread of coronavirus in Papua New Guinea.”