(Office of the Governor) — Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, the Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force, and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. have confirmed the CNMI’s sixth Covid-19-related death. The patient was an unvaccinated CNMI resident, who passed this month.
The patient tested positive for Covid-19 in November, was identified at CHCC, and isolated. The patient was admitted to the Alternative Care Site at Kanoa Resort.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones,” said Governor Torres. “This is another reminder for our people who are not vaccinated to get vaccinated. Vaccines save lives from this unforgiving disease. We must also continue to protect each other by practicing the 3 W’s.”
As of Dec. 10, 2021, there were 1,774 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the CNMI.
“It will never be easy to deliver this news. We will provide necessary support to the family and will continue to provide the support our whole community needs,” said CHCC CEO Esther L. Muna. “Continue to wear your mask, watch your distance, wash your hands, and do other preventive measures. We need to start living Covid-19 safe. Act as if you actually have the infection; and even when your test results come back negative, this is still great practice while we are in this pandemic.”
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
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 233-2067 if you do not have a provider.
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 yourself of the free DFEMS antigen testing (Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Kagman, Garapan, or Susupe fire stations) or the free community-based testing (Register at https://covidtesting.chcc.health; more dates will be announced).
While you wait to get tested or get your test results, follow the 3 W’s (wear a mask, wash your hands, watch your distance), stay at home as much as possible, and limit your contact with others.
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.
Updates from the Covid-19 Task Force and the CHCC can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts @governorcnmi and @cnmichcc, as well as through CNMI media partners.
