COMMONWEALTH Healthcare Corp. Chief Executive Officer Esther L. Muna on Monday said the CNMI could not confirm whether or not the most recent Covid-19 specimens were linked to the Delta variant.
In August, CHCC and the CNMI Covid-19 Task Force received confirmation that a Covid-19 specimen sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in July was identified as a Delta variant.
The specimen came from a traveler who tested positive upon arrival from the U.S. in July.
The traveler was quarantined and had no close contacts who tested positive for Covid-19.
Then, in September, a second specimen of the Delta variant was identified in the CNMI from an individual who arrived from Florida in late June.
In addition, a specimen of the Alpha variant was identified in September.
“For now, unfortunately…we are not able to confirm [from CDC] whether or not [the recent specimens are of the] Delta variant. The previous cases are not part of this [recent] cluster…. I know that the number of cases is increasing throughout the U.S., so I don’t know if that’s the reason why there’s a delayed response or delayed result reporting for us for these recent cases, but we’re just waiting for it. Unfortunately, I cannot confirm, I can only suspect that [they are of the Delta variant],” Muna said.
As for the newly identified Omicron variant, Muna said: “I applaud the country that identified Omicron very quickly,” referring to South Africa. “That information has been shared globally,” she added.
CHCC reiterates that unvaccinated individuals are at risk of serious illness from Covid-19 and can spread the virus at a higher rate than vaccinated individuals, thereby increasing the spread and risk of serious illness toward other unvaccinated individuals.
CHCC highly encourages unvaccinated individuals to get vaccinated or get a booster shot against Covid-19 to help prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
To register for Covid-19 vaccines, visit www.vaccinatecnmi.com or walk into the multi-purpose center to request a booster shot.
Individuals aged 18 or older are now eligible to avail themselves of a booster shot at the multi-purpose center.
To register for community-based testing, visit https://covidtesting.chcc.health
If you have concerns regarding possible exposure to a positive case, contact CHCC contact tracers no later than 9 p.m. at (670) 285-1942 or 286-1710/29.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, or new loss of taste or smell, see your provider or call the CHCC Tele-Triage hotline at (670) 233-2067.
