That is the question that is frequently being asked by many in the community and, although there is no direct \u201cyes\u201d or \u201cno\u201d answer, Warren Villagomez, who heads the COVID-19 Task Force, says that the different color levels basically refer to business hour limits, building occupancy limits, and other safety protocols.<\/p>\n
With the low incidence of community spread in the CNMI, Villagomez said the color levels give the task force, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., and the administration a better gauge in making decisions on a daily basis.<\/p>\n
The community vulnerability level is a five-color scale that signifies the level of COVID-19 risk in the community, with Level Red as the least safe and Level Green as the safest.<\/p>\n
Villagomez said that they have yet to see risk at this time and, with the precautionary measures that are put in place, the different color levels set standard for businesses, schools, establishments, etc. to follow.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also feel that we\u2019re not restricting anyone based on what we have out there in regards to precautionary measures,\u201d said Villagomez, adding that they have yet to deny anyone from opening a business establishment and that the task force just wants to ensure that the COVID-19 directives, and the three W\u2019s (wash your hands, wait at a 6-foot distance, and wear a mask), are in place.<\/p>\n
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said that, at this point, with every business opening up or has had the opportunity to open up, it feels as if the island is already on Level Green. However, Torres stated that \u201cwe all have to understand that we may not be able to go back to 100% normalcy, unless there\u2019s a vaccine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur system is working, and I know that we want to open everything, but at the same time, we\u2019re basically almost there. We have a curfew at 2 o\u2019clock in the morning, and then it opens up again at four o\u2019clock. But other than that, all businesses are able to open,\u201d said Torres.<\/p>\n
And even if it feels as if the CNMI is already on Level Green, there is still a curfew, Villagomez said.<\/p>\n
Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. chief executive officer Esther Mu\u00f1a said that there\u2019s no getting rid of the 3 W\u2019s even if the island is on Level Green and that \u201cwe need to continue doing it,\u201d and that travelers coming in can still bring in the risk.<\/p>\n
With the businesses opening up with restrictions, Mu\u00f1a stressed that they want to be careful because, even if there is just one case of COVID-19 community spread, it can be \u201cdetrimental for the CNMI.\u201d Mu\u00f1a stated that the CNMI has been fortunate enough that the individuals who have tested positive did not require hospitalization.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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