CNMI Covid-19 Task Force Chief Warren Villagomez is urging members of the community to continue to be vigilant against the Covid-19 pandemic despite the increased rate of vaccinations in the Commonwealth.
In an interview, Villagomez said that although the CNMI has reached an almost 100% vaccination rate for first and second doses, and first and second boosters are being provided by the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., “we still need to be vigilant.”
On Monday, CHCC Chief Executive Officer Esther Muna said the BA.5 variant of Covid-19 has been detected in the CNMI.
She did not provide the number of cases, but she also urges the community to continue to stay safe by availing themselves of booster shots, and practicing the three Ws: wash your hands, watch your distance and wear a mask.
“We’ve said it every day, from the beginning up to now, we recommend to everyone if they don’t have the booster shot yet to get themselves the first and second doses of the vaccine,” Villagomez said.
People must also continue to look around their environment, he added. “If they feel like they need to wear a mask, please do so.”
He said the task force respects everyone’s opinion on what to do or what not to do with their lives, but “be mindful that the infection is still there, so get yourself prepared, get booster shots and pay attention to your surroundings.”
Noting the continued success of the task force and CHCC in dealing with the pandemic for over two years now, Villagomez thanked everyone, especially the first responders and front liners. He also commended the administration of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres saying “without [his] leadership we would not be where we are at.”
“[With] the direction and commitment that the administration provided — this is where we are at, comfortably living in the CNMI,” Villagomez said.
CNMI Covid-19 Task Force Chief Warren Villagomez poses for a photo at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia in this file photo.
