The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) officially announce that the 17-year-old male presumptive case announced yesterday, is confirmed positive for COVID-19. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the CNMI is now 15.
The individual was identified as a result of contact tracing and the community testing initiative. He does not exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 and was confirmed for diagnosis at CHCC Laboratory. After consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CHCC considers this case to not be part of a new infection chain and is not considered infectious. CHCC has already initiated contact tracing for the most immediate contacts (close family members, friends, and associates). The Task Force and CHCC continue to urge the community to continue to be diligent in reducing transmission of the virus by staying home, avoiding crowds, and continuing to wash hands often.
STAY AT HOME, STOP THE SPREAD
The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and CHCC continue to encourage residents within the Marianas to practice social distancing, which means avoiding close contact with people in order to avoid catching the virus yourself and to avoid passing it on to others.
· Stay home as much as possible. Avoid unnecessary travel or public places.
· Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10.
· Pick up food through drive-thru, take-out, or delivery options.
· Only one healthy adult from the household should run necessary errands, such as getting groceries or picking up medications. Leave children, elderly, and other vulnerable people at home as much as possible. When returning home from an errand, wash your hands before doing anything else.
· Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. People at high risk should stay at home as much as possible.
· Create a household plan of action https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/checklist-household-ready.html
· Ensure a 30-day supply of all medicines.
Continue good hand hygiene:
· Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, avoid touching your face, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available.
Know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if you become symptomatic:
· Stay home when you are sick and if you recently traveled to a place with COVID-19. Self-quarantine means:
o Choosing a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others.
o Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
o Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
o Limiting visitors
The CHCC appreciates the patience and understanding of the community at this time. To obtain general information about the CNMI COVID-19 response, please contact the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force Hotline at 287-0046, 287-0489, 287-1089. These numbers are available Monday to Sunday 7:00AM-7:00PM
For medical information about COVID-19, please reach out to the COVID-19 Infoline at the following numbers: 285-1542/1672/1352/1854 These numbers are available Monday to Sunday 7:30AM-8:00PM
For mental health support and helpful tips during a crisis please call the Mental Health Support Line at 285-1856/1857 These numbers are available Monday to Friday 7:30AM-4:30PM.
For more information about DIY face coverings, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
For more information about CHCC programs, please follow CHCC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter at @cnmichcc, check out our website at www.chcc.gov.mp or call us at (670) 234-8950.
For more information on the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, visit governor.gov.mp and please follow @GovernorCNMI on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
This health advisory may be found online at http://www.chcc.gov.mp/pressrelease.html
CHCC Point of Contact:
Janet Guerrero / Portia Tomokane
(670) 234-8950 Ext. 3416
Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force Point of Contact:
Kevin Bautista
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