Ahead of the new normal era, public spaces, such as traditional markets, will be targeted (for the test).
Manokwari, W Papua (ANTARA) - The West Papua provincial government ramped up COVID-19 testing at public facilities throughout the region as part of the measures in preparing to enter the new normal era.

To this end, West Papua Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling organized a rapid test event at Wosi Market in Manokwari on Friday that was inspected by Governor Dominggus Mandacan, who stated that the move aimed to map out the spread of the disease.

"Ahead of the new normal era, rapid testing will be conducted in public spaces, such as traditional markets. As of today, we are organizing this rapid testing at the Wosi Market, and earlier, we also had a similar event at the Sanggeng Market, while others hereafter," Mandacan remarked.

"The provincial government will also provide assistance for COVID-19 tests at traditional markets located in the districts of Arfak Mountains, Maybrat, Tambrauw, as well as Southern Sorong," he noted.

West Papua has enacted the emergency status over the COVID-19 outbreak that will be in place through July 14 in line with the governor extending this status in preparing for the new normal.

According to the official record until July 2, a total of 244 West Papuans had contracted the novel coronavirus disease, of which 170 patients had recovered, while the four others died.

Even as the positive cases rise, the number of recoveries has also increased, Arnoldus Tiniap, the provincial task force’s spokesperson, noted in another statement. Related news: COVID-19 recoveries in Jayapura comprise 15 children, one adult

Related news: 816 security personnel deployed in Jayapura as precautionary measure


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