Surveillance of incoming passengers for coronavirus in Papua New Guinea is mostly adequate, says the country's minister for civil aviation.
International airport in Port Moresby Photo: Supplied
Lekwa Gure gave an update about screening measures at PNG's airports while addressing the NBC Press Club in Port Morebsy.
Mr Gure said he went to Moresby's international airport on Friday to observe health officers screening passengers who arrived from Hong Kong.
"From what I could see, the processing of the passengers with the temperature apparatus plus the health declaration forms is adequate, is robust enough. But I do think that we can improve on that a little bit, like acquiring infrared cameras."
Infrared cameras would allow for extra screening for raised temperatures among incoming passengers, he said.
He had advised the government that such cameras should be acquired as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, Mr Gure has warned about the spread of 'fake news' regarding the virus via social media platforms.
He said PNG and WHO officials were trying their best to prepare for the coronavirus threat and disseminate the latest information about it.
"But this has not been helped when people start spreading news through this 'fake news' on social media," he said.
"So I'm appealing to the public that if they are participating in the spread of fake news, then they should stop. Be responsible. Be part of the team and help us fight and contain this disease if it ever comes to Papua New Guinea."
