STOP THE SPREAD

The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. 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.
• Choose drive-thru, take-out, or delivery options, or outdoor seating, if available, when dining in.
• Send only one healthy adult from the household 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:

– Choosing a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others.
– 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.
– Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
– Limiting visitors

To obtain general information about the CNMI COVID-19 response, contact the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force Hotline at 287-0046, 287-0489, 287-1089. These numbers are available Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm and Saturday to Sunday from 7am to 4pm.

For medical information about COVID-19, reach out to the COVID-19 Infoline at the following numbers: 285-1542/1672/1352/1854. These numbers are available Monday to Sunday from 7:30am to 8pm.

For mental health support and helpful tips during a crisis call the Mental Health Support Line at 285-1856, 323-6560, 323-6561 These numbers are available from Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm. For the 24/7 Disaster Distress Helpline, call SAMSHA at 1-800-985-5990.

For more information about DIY face coverings, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

For more information about CHCC programs, follow CHCC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter at @cnmichcc, check out www.chcc.gov.mp or call (670) 234-8950.

For more information on the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, visit governor.gov.mp and follow @GovernorCNMI on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
 
Rumor control
During crises like this, the spread of misinformation is just as dangerous as the virus itself. The CNMI is reminded to only share official and verified notices, press releases, and advisories from the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and CHCC.

Source: Office of the Governor