The Governor\u2019s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. will be implementing quarantine protocols dependent on a patient\u2019s symptom status.<\/p>\n
If an individual tests positive and is asymptomatic (showing no symptoms of COVID-19), then self-quarantine for 10 days is an option offered to them, provided they can safely self-isolate. If an individual decides that they cannot safely self-quarantine (e.g., they live with a family member who has underlying health conditions or is immunocompromised), isolation at the designated government facility will be an option offered. <\/p>\n
If an individual tests positive and is symptomatic (showing signs of symptoms of COVID-19), then the individual will be isolated for 10 days at the designated government facility. <\/p>\n
For close contacts of confirmed positive cases, their COVID-19 vaccination status will be considered. After being identified as a close contact, fully vaccinated close contacts will be tested as soon as possible, will not be ordered to quarantine of any kind, and must return for their fifth-day test. If their test returns positive for COVID-19, they will go through the process of being confirmed as a positive case. <\/p>\n
Unvaccinated close contacts will be tested as soon as possible, will be ordered to self-quarantine, and must return for their fifth-day test. If their test returns positive for COVID-19, they will go through the process of being confirmed as a positive case. <\/p>\n
These changes are being implemented since approximately 93.1% of the CNMI\u2019s adult population are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and approximately 91% of its 12-year-old and older population are fully vaccinated, combined with the expansion of Pfizer- BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster shot eligibility to 16- and 17-year-olds.<\/p>\n
The CHCC highly encourages unvaccinated individuals to get vaccinated or get a booster shot against COVID-19 to help prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Data from small clinical trials show that vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infection is waning after the primary series, but protection remains high against severe disease and hospitalization. Register for COVID-19 vaccination at www.vaccinatecnmi.com. <\/p>\n
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms like coughing, fever, shortness of breath, or new loss of taste or smell, get checked by a health care provider right away, or call the CHCC Tele- Triage line (670) 233-2067 if you do not have a provider. <\/p>\n
If you are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and it has been 5 to 7 days since your exposure to a person who may have COVID-19, avail of the free DFEMS antigen testing (Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, 8am-4pm, at Kagman, Garapan, or Susupe fire stations) or the free community-based testing (register at https:\/\/covidtesting.chcc.health; more dates will be announced). <\/p>\n
While you wait to get tested or get your test results, follow the 3 W\u2019s (wear a mask, wash your hands, watch your distance), stay at home as much as possible, and limit your contact with others. <\/p>\n
Additional U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on how to protect yourself and others include: avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces; cover coughs and sneezes; clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily; be alert for symptoms daily; and get tested for COVID-19. (PR)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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