In addition to the numerous requests for federal assistance to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the Marianas, Governor Ralph DLG. Torres has formally sent a letter of recommendations of measures that require congressional action to Congressman Gregorio Kilili Sablan to complement the CNMI’s response to the global pandemic.
Governor Ralph DLG. Torres, through the Department of Finance, Division of Revenue & Taxation (DRT), announced special relief to individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Governor Ralph DLG. Torres announced that the Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Douglas W. Domenech has awarded the CNMI a total of $366,900 through the Office of Insular Affairs’ (OIA) Technical Assistance Program (TAP) for personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygienic supplies for government first responders to prevent the outbreak of COVID-19 in the CNMI.
In an effort to assist small businesses with existing disaster loans during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration has informed Governor Ralph DLG. Torres that all SBA disaster loan payments will automatically be deferred through December 31, 2020.
Governor Torres announces economic injury disaster loans for small businesses
In conformance with the Governor’s Public Health Emergency declaration and for ensuring the protocols for social distancing are in place, the Nutrition Assistance Program will be distributing April 2020 benefits through drive-thru service at their office location in As Lito.
On Monday, March 23, 2020, Governor Ralph DLG. Torres added Directive 14 to his Second Amended Executive Order 2020-04, declaring a continued state of significant emergency and public health emergency for the CNMI due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lt. Governor Palacios and I, along with our Commonwealth, extend our deepest condolences to the family of the first COVID-19 related death on Guam. Our thoughts and prayers are with Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, her administration, and the people of Guam.
Today, Governor Ralph DLG. Torres announced that President Donald J. Trump has approved his March 3, 2020 request for federal assistance to aid ongoing CNMI efforts to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
On March 19, 2020, I issued the Second Amended Executive Order 2020-04 (hereinafter “SAEO 2020-04”). SAEO 2020-04 declared a continuing State of Significant Emergency and a State of Public Health Emergency for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands due to the imminent threat of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Under SAEO 2020-04, I invoked my authority under Article III, § 10 of the Commonwealth Constitution, the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Act of 2013, 1 CMC § 20144, and the CNMI Emergency Health Powers Act of 2003, 3 CMC §§ 2181-2195, to take all necessary measures to address the threats facing the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (“CNMI”).
Please be advised that the Administrative Leave Memorandum dated December 29, 2022 regarding Administrative Leave on December 30, 2022 and numbered GOV22-264 is to be recalled and disregarded, effective immediately.
