Entry rule for domestic travelers eased

The health declaration form requirement for those traveling from Guam to Saipan has now been completely lifted.

In a news release last Friday, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. in conjunction with the COVID-19 Task Force, said the CNMI is now at Community Level Low based on the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s community level metric system. With that, CHCC completely lifts the need for a health declaration form for those who traveling domestically—whether you’re vaccinated or not.

“Effective April 8, domestic travelers inbound via air or sea are not required to fill out the health declaration form,” the CHCC press release stated.

CHCC CEO Esther Muña clarified that domestic travelers include travelers from Guam, Rota, or Tinian.

However, international travelers are still required to fill out the health declaration form due to outbound testing requirements at least 72 hours prior to arrival.

All travelers should continue to wear a well-fitted mask after arrival if they must be around others, and if they develop symptoms, they should get tested at least five days after arrival.

Meanwhile, there aren’t any major changes in terms of COVID-19 protocols within the community.

Similar to when the CNMI hit Community Level Medium, masks remain a personal preference in Community Level Low.

Individuals who are immunocompromised are encouraged to ask their healthcare providers whether they should continue to wear masks or not.

CHCC encourage everyone to have a plan for rapid testing, like home tests kits.

Individuals should also contact their healthcare providers to inquire if they are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and monoclonal antibodies.

In addition, all CNMI residents are encouraged to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces whenever possible, and follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.

Individuals who are experiencing mild symptoms may get tested at designated testing sites, rather than in the CHCC emergency department as it is not a testing site.

Individuals can get tested at the Koblerville COVID-19 Community Center, which is open seven days a week from 8am to 4pm.

Local pharmacies and stores now carry at-home COVID-19 test kits for those who are interested. Free at-home COVID-19 test kits are also available at www.covidtests.gov.