Governor Ralph DLG. Torres and Lt. Governor Arnold I. Palacios announced on Sunday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated $10,922,033.33 for personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders and medical workers, medical supplies, and test kits for the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Protecting the Marianas from COVID-19 required unprecedented efforts, and a top priority in our efforts includes protecting our first responders and medical workers with the proper protective equipment, making sure our hospital was prepared for mass hospitalization of patients, and test kits for surveillance at our airport and in our community to identify COVID-19 cases before they spread in our community,” said Governor Torres.
“FEMA projected that we would hit 8,500 cases in June if protective measures were not put in place. We are grateful for our partnership with all our federal partners for assisting us in protecting our people,” he added.
“The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) have truly kept our islands safe. CHCC CEO Esther L. Muña, Task Force Chairman Warren Villagomez, our Task Force member agencies, and our first responders deserve to be commended for their hard work and commitment to protecting our islands from this virus. We thank FEMA for their continued partnership,” said Lt. Governor Palacios.
The project worksheets include $10,709,762.37 for personal protective equipment and $212,270.96 for medical supplies for the completed and documented work by the CNMI.
The Governor’s Authorized Representative Patrick C. Guerrero said the CNMI continues to diligently plan and prepare against COVID-19.
“Our efforts to secure much needed PPE and supplies to protect our frontline workers and community was challenging in so many ways, yet we pulled through. We are in a better position today and are equipped with the necessary tools to continue our battle with this deadly disease, but the planning and preparation does not stop. We are truly grateful to FEMA in approving this funding, and we look forward to their continued support,” said Guerrero.
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