Governor Ralph DLG. Torres, in consultation with his COVID-19 Task Force led by Chairman Warren Villagomez, Special Assistant of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Gerald J. Deleon Guerrero, and Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) Chief Executive Officer Esther L. Muña, has compiled the CNMI COVID-19 Emergency Directives that have been ongoing since the beginning of the CNMI’s response in late January 2020.
Through this authority, Governor Torres announces his new Social Distancing Guidance, a compilation of renewed emergency directives and additional enforcement authority pertaining to effective social distancing for the CNMI.
Social distancing has been globally recognized as the most important factor in stopping the spread of COVID-19 in countries, states, and territories around the world.
The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and CHCC sees social distancing measures in the CNMI as among the main reasons why the CNMI’s infection rate has remained low.
As of April 17, 2020, the CNMI has 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19, two (2) deaths, and nine (9) recoveries.
The Governor, his Task Force, and CHCC will continue to take proactive steps to keep this curve flat and protect the health and safety of CNMI residents. Under the CNMI COVID-19 Emergency Directives, the Governor’s Social Distancing Guidance prevents potential public exposure and spread of COVID-19 within the CNMI.
Because of the work that residents in the CNMI have done together, our curve remains flat, and we don’t see sharp increases in confirmed cases, unlike other areas around the region and in the US. Businesses around the CNMI have also been very strong partners and are commended for their cooperation and commitment to protecting lives.
With community-based testing set to begin soon and with the enforcement of ongoing social distancing directives, the Governor believes that protecting the Marianas now will save countless lives in the long-run, while ensuring that the CNMI economy returns to normalcy as quickly and safely as possible.
“By following these guidelines, we can continue to keep our islands safe and protect our man’amko, our chronically ill, and our loved ones. Let’s stay vigilant, patient, and committed, Marianas. Together, we will overcome this pandemic.”
– Governor Ralph DLG. Torres
