THE Covid-19 quarantine facility in Lorengau, Manus lost goods worth a substantial amount of money to criminals recently.
Manus Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector David Yapu said unknown suspects entered the facility after cutting the wire fence at the back and broke the glass next to the doors for the 24 rooms.
The suspects made off with 24 thick mattresses, three bar fridge, furniture, and electrical appliances. They did not succeed in removing air conditioners.
The incident occurred between July 12 and 16 but was only discovered by police on July 26 and the matter was reported to police that have commenced investigations.
PPC Yapu has expressed frustration over the incident saying the quarantine facilities were provided by Manus Provincial Health Authority to accommodate Covid-19 cases and cost a lot of money to make those facilities available.
“Now that those senseless and criminal elements had broken into the centre and stole essential items, the centre is now back to zero without proper facilities for Covid 19 cases that need to be quarantine,” he said.
PPC Yapu who is also the Deputy Provincial Controller said the Provincial Advisory Committee for Covid-19 had put a lot of effort to establish the quarantine and isolation centre to cater for Covid-19 cases that cost over millions of kina and people should appreciate such facilities.
“Covid-19 is a deadly disease and can be easily transmitted if people are not quarantined or isolated in those facilities.
“Covid-19 is real and it’s here to stay.”
So far the country has reported 17,637 cases with 192 deaths.
He said these figures must be taken seriously and people must respect facilities to accommodate Covid-19 cases.
Yapu strongly appealed to the people in the community to assist police and provide any information leading to the incident or to come and see the PPC in his office.
“We must all work together and bring those perpetrators before the court to deal with them accordingly to the rule of the law.”
