(CHCC) — As the Omicron subvariant BA.2 continues to spread globally at a rapid rate, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. and the Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force reiterated that the CNMI is equipped to fight Omicron and its subvariants.
The first sample that was identified as the Omicron subvariant BA.2 was collected on Jan. 7, 2022. Of the 64 samples sequenced in the batch sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Jan. 12, 2022, 43 were identified as the Omicron variant and 21 as the Delta variant. One of the 43 Omicron samples was identified as the BA.2 subvariant. The samples in this batch were collected from Dec. 20, 2021 to Jan. 10, 2022.
CHCC regularly communicates with the CDC and sends Covid-19 specimens to the CDC for genetic sequencing. As of Feb. 12, 2022, the Omicron subvariant BA.2 accounted for 3.9% of the total cases of Covid-19 sequenced in the U.S.
According to the World Health Organization, preliminary data suggest that Omicron BA.2 is more transmissible than the original Omicron variant. Although there is currently no indication to suggest that there is a difference in the severity of BA.2 compared to the original variant, some people may still have severe disease, need hospitalization, and could die from the infection with this subvariant. Even if only a small percentage of people with Omicron infection need hospitalization, the large volume of cases could overwhelm the health care system.
Persons infected with the Omicron variant can show symptoms similar to previous variants. The severity of symptoms can be affected by Covid-19 vaccination status, other health conditions, age, and history of prior infection.
The CNMI is equipped to fight Omicron and its subvariants. Covid-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and testing are readily available.
Covid-19 vaccines
Current vaccines remain effective against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. Individuals who are up to date with their Covid-19 vaccines and get Covid-19 are less likely to develop serious illness than those who are unvaccinated and get Covid-19.
The Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force and CHCC continue to encourage residents to get vaccinated against Covid-19 or get a booster shot if they are eligible. Walk-ins are accepted at the multi-purpose center, Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. To register for or a Covid-19 vaccine booster or for more information, call (670) 682-7468 or visit www.vaccinatecnmi.com.
Therapeutics
Covid-19 positive individuals should seek care within five days of a positive test result as they may be eligible for treatment that is given soon after infection, especially individuals who are considered high-risk, including history of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, or cancer, or are over the age of 65.
Individuals who wish to avail themselves of Covid-19 therapeutics may visit the Koblerville Covid-19 Community Center or KC3 for a referral for treatment. The KC3 is open every day, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.).
Individuals may also avail themselves of Covid-19 therapeutics at the Medical Care and Treatment Site at CHCC by walking up to entry screeners and requesting Covid-19 treatment. After-hour treatment requests will be handled by the CHCC Emergency Department.
With Omicron’s increased transmissibility, continue to live Covid-19 safe: follow the 3 W’s (wear a well-fitted mask, wash your hands, watch your distance); stay at home as much as possible; limit your contact with persons outside your household; clean or disinfect surfaces frequently; monitor symptoms daily; cover coughs and sneezes; and get tested for Covid-19.
Testing
Individuals can get tested at the KC3 Community-Based Testing or CBT site. The CBT schedule for PCR testing is available at https://covidtesting.chcc.health.
Antigen testing, which does not require registration, is also available at the KC3.
Free at-home test kits are available online at www.covidtests.gov.
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home Covid-19 tests. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. At- home test kits are also available at local pharmacies and general stores.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services hosts free Covid-19 testing every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at the Susupe and Kagman fire stations, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.). An extra DFEMS testing site at Micro Beach is open on Saturdays. For the latest DFEMS Covid-19 testing schedule, visit www.facebook.com/CNMIDFEMS.
For more information regarding general Covid-19 response protocols, call the Covid-19 Infoline at (670) 488-0211, every day, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Updates from the Covid-19 Task Force and CHCC can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts @governorcnmi and @cnmichcc, as well as through CNMI media partners.
