The spirit behind House Joint Resolution 21-008 is indeed noble in its intents. It is my understanding from the discussions that took place during the House Standing Committee on Federal & Foreign Affairs meetings that such measure evolved with the intent to initiate dialogue about military activities in the Commonwealth between my Administration and the Legislature. I write to you in effort to share with the members of the Legislature that I share in this interest and have been proactive in pursuing the espoused goals of HJR 21-008 for nearly the entire duration of my time in the Executive Branch. Truly it is one of the most critical responsibilities I have taken.

Governor Ralph DLG. Torres announced on Friday, August 21, 2020 that the CNMI COVID-19 Emergency Directives have been amended to temporarily reimplement restrictions on in-person interactions, social gatherings, and business hours to protect the health and safety of the people of the CNMI.

The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) announced on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, that the CNMI Community-Based Testing (CBT) Initiative will resume for the next four weeks starting Wednesday, August 19, 2020.

The CNMI Department of Labor (CNMI DOL) announced on Tuesday that more than $50 million in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) payments have been disbursed to eligible and approved claimants, as of August 18, 2020.

The CNMI Department of Labor (CNMI DOL) through its Benefits Payment Control (BPC) Unit announced on Tuesday that it has collected $108,522.46 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) overpayments from ineligible CNMI-Only Transitional Workers (CW-1).

Governor Ralph DLG. Torres and Lt. Governor Arnold I. Palacios announced on Tuesday that the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs (DCCA) Division of Youth Services (DYS) has received grant awards totaling $1,309,699 for child welfare and community services through the following:

The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) announced on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, that one (1) individual has been confirmed positive for COVID-19, bringing the CNMI’s case count to 54.

The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) announced on Monday, August 17, 2020, that three (3) individuals have been confirmed positive for COVID-19, bringing CNMI’s current case count to 53 since March 28, 2020.

The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) announced on Friday, August 14, 2020, the confirmation of one (1) new COVID-19 case in the CNMI.