CNMI transitioning to next phase of community-based testing
The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation would like to announce that the last day for the CNMI Community-Based Testing Initiative at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, Benjamin T. Mangloña/Rota International Airport, Rota Health Center, and Tinian Health Center will be Saturday, June 13, 2020.
This means testing will still continue on Saturday on all three islands for individuals who have properly registered and received a confirmation ID.
After Saturday, community-based testing will be suspended in order to shift CNMI efforts toward the villages. To better accommodate work schedules/requirements and people with limited transportation, the Governor’s Task Force and CHCC are exploring ways to increase access to testing through business and precinct-based testing. Details on this next phase of community-based testing will be provided soon.
Since April 28, 2020, the CNMI Community-Based Testing Initiative has tested over 7,500 people for COVID-19 on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. This is approximately 14 percent of the CNMI’s population.
The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and CHCC remind the public that getting tested for COVID-19 does not improve response to the illness, nor does it reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting the disease. People who are tested and have a negative result, are still vulnerable to the virus.
The 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.
Please continue good hygiene such as washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, and avoid touching your face.
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