Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape says he is "alright" and "doing well" as he self-isolates at home from a Covid-19 infection.

Mr Marape had to cut short his visit to China after he tested positive for coronavirus in Beijing last week.

In a statement yesterday, Mr Marape said "there is nothing seriously wrong with me" and that "vaccination has really helped."

He said he will be taking a second Covid-19 test tomorrow and depending on results will provide an update on Friday on when he will resume his responsibilities.

His deputy Sam Basil is acting prime minister while Mr Marape recovers.

The prime minister is urging fellow PNG citizens to get vaccinated.

PNG has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the world, with less than 3 percent of the population covered.

Mr Marape said PNG is exposed to all variants of the virus and when people are inoculated, they can protect themselves.

He said people can still get infected with Covid-19, but 'live with it in almost a normal manner".

He is advising Papua New Guineans that getting the vaccination will mean being able "to live through the onslaught without the need for hospitalisation and have a better chance at recovery."

PNG has recorded almost 600 Covid-19 deaths but health experts have said the figure is likely to be higher.