COMMONWEALTH Healthcare Corp. Chief Executive Officer Esther L. Muna said as of this week, inbound passengers who were fully vaccinated in other Level 1 jurisdictions are no longer required to quarantine at a government designated facility or be tested upon arrival.
They will, however, still be tested on the fifth day after their arrival, and can opt to home quarantine.
As of Monday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Level 1 jurisdictions included American Samoa, Australia, the British Virgin Islands, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nigeria, Palau, Western Samoa, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
The CNMI is also listed as a Level 1 jurisdiction, or an area where the risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus is low.
The CDC still recommends that travelers wear masks, avoid crowds, stay at least 6 feet from people, wash their hands often or use hand sanitizer, and watch their health for signs of illness.
Inbound passengers are required to provide verifiable vaccination documentation from their health department or health provider.
Their place of dwelling will also need to pass a household assessment or inspection.
Muna said fully vaccinated people are those who received their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccine or first dose of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine two weeks prior.
As for those who are fully vaccinated from non-Level 1 jurisdictions, they can still apply for home quarantine after verifying the completion of their Covid-19 vaccination, and after passing a household assessment or inspection.
These individuals would still be required to be tested upon arrival as well as on the fifth day.
Should anyone fail their household assessment or inspection, they will be required to quarantine at a government quarantine facility.
If any individual tests positive during any test, they will be isolated at a designated government facility.
Individuals vaccinated in the CNMI can still apply for modified quarantine, as it will be quicker to verify the completion of their vaccination series.
Those who apply for modified quarantine may receive an application decision after their arrival or may be required to quarantine at the designated government facility while they wait for approval.
CHCC and the CNMI Covid-19 Task Force recommend that individuals apply at least 72 hours prior to their arrival to the CNMI.
Applications are processed in the order of receipt and validation.
Travelers can upload their vaccination documents online, but are encouraged to also bring the physical documents when they travel.
Travelers who request to be classified as critical or essential workers will be evaluated based on the strength of work justification; point of origin; pre-arrival polymerase chain reaction test, or PCR test; Covid-19 vaccinations; and transit or flight plans.
Muna reminded everyone that the CNMI has not reached 85% herd immunity as she reiterated the need to practice the 3 Ws — wear a mask, sash your hands, watch your distance — and to get vaccinated.
As of Monday, 21,512 people or 51% of the eligible population of the CNMI had been fully vaccinated.
