A “CRITICAL essential” personnel of Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. tested positive for Covid-19 on Dec. 22, CHCC stated on Wednesday.
The person is one of two individuals identified by travel screening and confirmed diagnosis through fifth day testing, bringing the total confirmed cases in the CNMI to 118 since March 28, 2020.
The individual was recently on official travel as a medical escort for severely and critically ill patients from Saipan to Hawaii, and the U.S. mainland.
“The individual in this instance is asymptomatic,” CHCC said, “and the virus may have been incubating at the point of testing on the first day, but not at detectable levels. On the scheduled fifth day testing, the individual tested positive for Covid-19 and was safely transported to the designated isolation area for close monitoring.”
CHCC said, “Persons under investigation who were immediately identified as close contacts were also transported to the designated isolation area for testing and monitoring. So far, test results have returned negative for Covid-19, but [they] will be tested again before being released. Contact tracing for additional close contacts of the new confirmed case was conducted and is still being investigated.”
As a healthcare worker en route from escorting several patients, CHCC said the individual was approved for “Critical Essential Work” status upon entry into the CNMI, and was tested on arrival.
Upon receiving a negative test result for Covid-19, CHCC said, the individual was released for self-quarantine “under stringent monitoring by the Contact Tracing Team” or CTT.
The CTT protocols require the regular and consistent monitoring for an individual that has been categorized as a “critical essential worker,” CHCC said.
“The method of monitoring includes the constant and regular physical check-in of the individual at their place of employment and residence. Included in the physical monitoring of the individual the CTT conducts [are] 10 to 20 check-ins via phone including after hours.
“These steps are done for all approved critical essential workers, including those not employed by the CHCC.”
CHCC reiterated that no traveler is exempt from quarantine. “All travelers are quarantined for some duration, and the length of duration of quarantine is determined by the applicant’s information, strength of justification, and assessment of the critical nature of work. If approved for ‘Critical Essential Work’ status and after a negative Covid-19 test result has been received from testing on arrival, one may be approved to self-quarantine at their own lodging with limited movement and barred from attending any form of congregate setting (restaurant, bars, church, meetings, etc.). In addition, they are expected to adhere to the CDC’s three Ws guideline: (wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance from others).”
CHCC said, “Due to the nature of this evolving virus, this [latest case] underscores the value of adherence to local protocols for arrival screening and compliance with required prevention and quarantine measures set in place.”
