(CHCC) — Thirty-seven cases had been confirmed positive for Covid-19 on Dec. 31, 2021, and Jan. 1 and 2, 2022, bringing the CNMI total to 3,334 cases since March 28, 2020. The individuals have been isolated and are actively monitored.
The Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. on Monday also confirmed the CNMI’s 18th Covid-19-related death.
Fifteen of the 18 deaths reported in CNMI occurred since the current surge of Covid-19 cases (Oct. 28, 2021). Of the 15 tragic deaths, 9 persons were unvaccinated, 1 was partially vaccinated, and 5 were fully vaccinated (none had a booster dose). The average age of those who died was 65 years old (43-95 years old) compared to the average of 30 years for all cases.
Almost all of these individuals were diagnosed too late to use monoclonal antibodies.
“Please seek care or test early if you are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, as you may be eligible for monoclonal antibodies or other new drugs that are given soon after infection,” CHCC said.
As of Jan. 2, 2022, there had been 2,426 recoveries and 602 active cases.
As of Jan. 3, 2022, there were 12 individuals hospitalized as a result of Covid-19 (6 unvaccinated, 6 vaccinated; 2 on a ventilator); and 2 were discharged.
Of the 37 new cases, 14 were identified on Jan. 2, 2022, 20 on Jan. 1, 2022, and 3 on Dec. 31, 2021; 18 were identified via contact tracing, 12 were identified via community testing, and 7 were identified via travel testing.
The vaccination statuses of the 37 cases identified are pending verification.
A total of 406 Covid-19 vaccine shots were administered on Jan. 3, 2022, resulting in 95.2% of the CNMI’s eligible population being fully vaccinated, which affords the community more protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Since Oct. 28, 2021, there have been 3,043 new cases, of which 1,508 were identified via contact tracing, 1,460 were identified via community testing, and 75 were identified via travel testing.
A total of 195 Covid-19 tests were conducted on Jan. 2, 2022, which comprises travel testing and surveillance testing but does not include DFEMS testing.
If you have concerns regarding a possible exposure to a positive case, call our contact tracers at (670) 285-1942, 286-1710, or 286-1711.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, new loss of taste or smell, etc.), see your provider or call the CHCC Tele-Triage hotline at (670) 233-2067.
