TODAY, Friday, Dec. 31, marks the second anniversary of when Covid-19 was first reported in 2019.
Two years ago, health officials in Wuhan, China confirmed that they were treating dozens of pneumonia cases of a virus that would later be identified as the coronavirus disease 2019, or Covid-19.
Dr. Li Wenliang was the first to sound the alarm, warning the Chinese government that the infections could spiral out of control on a global scale.
However, the Chinese doctor was reprimanded by authorities and forced to sign a statement denouncing his warning.
On Jan. 11, 2020, China reported its first death from the viral infection, a 61-year-old man who was a regular customer of a market in Wuhan.
His death came just before the Lunar New Year, when millions of travelers were flying across the country to celebrate the holiday season.
On Jan. 21, 2020, the U.S. confirmed its first case of Covid-19, a Washington resident in his 30s who had developed symptoms after returning from a trip to Wuhan.
Two days later, China suspended all modes of transportation in and out of Wuhan.
By then, nearly 20 people had died and 500 others were infected with the virus, including in the U.S., South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand.
On Jan. 29, 2020, in the CNMI, the Torres administration issued Executive Order 2020-01, declaring a state of significant emergency regarding the Covid-19 outbreak, ordering the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. to implement quarantine and preventive containment measures, and directing the secretary of Finance and the special assistant for management and budget to assess the fiscal impact of the outbreak on the CNMI government’s budget.
The next day, the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency.
The pandemic has, among other things, affected the global economy in profound ways and had all but shut down the tourism industries of many countries and territories, including the CNMI.
Federal relief funds will keep the Commonwealth government afloat at least until the end of 2022, a general election year.
Condolences
On Dec. 30, 2021, the CNMI reported its 13th Covid-19-related death.
“My deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those in our community who have recently passed,” Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said in a statement.
“This is never easy news to hear, or to share. I want to encourage anyone who is unvaccinated to please get vaccinated. I also urge our community to continue to practice the 3Ws by wearing your masks, washing your hands, and watching your distance. We are in this together, Marianas,” he added.
“It’s difficult to lose a family member, especially during the holidays. Our sincerest condolences and sympathies go out to the families, and we will provide the necessary support,” CHCC Chief Executive Officer Esther L. Muna said.
“We encourage everyone who’s eligible for a booster shot to get their booster shot. While we have the treatment available to help, vaccines are our best tool against Covid-19. We cannot emphasize enough how important vaccines are in this fight against Covid-19.”
To register for COVID-19 vaccination, visit www.vaccinatecnmi.com
If you have concerns regarding possible exposure to a positive case, call the contact tracers no later than 9 p.m. 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.
For more information on the CNMI Covid-19 response, visit staysafecnmi.com
