99% of eligible population vaccinated; 231 new cases reported
By Pacific Island Times News Staff Saipan-- With approximately 99 percent of the CNMI’s eligible population fully vaccinated and approximately 53 percent of those fully vaccinated having received a booster shot, the CNMI government has updated its entry protocols, eliminating the requirement for on-arrival Covid-19 testing.
"Effective Feb. 8, all travelers entering the CNMI by air or sea will no longer be tested on arrival," the CNMI government announced today.
the government today reported 231 additional individuals have been confirmed positive for Covid-19, bringing the CNMI total to 6,563 cases since March 26, 2020. The individuals have been isolated and are actively monitored.
As of Feb. 8, there were eight individuals hospitalized as a result of COVID-19: 5 unvaccinated, 2 vaccinated, 1 partially vaccinated and one of the 8 is on a ventilator
In updating the CNMI's travel protocol, public health officials determined that the surveillance of Covid -19 at the border is not the best predictor of the impact of Covid-19 on the CNMI’s health care system.
Officials said the focus will be shifted to medically significant community infections. "The Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force and the CHCC will continue to ensure every individual in the CNMI has access to information about Covid-19, to Covid-19 testing, and to therapeutic treatments without barriers so they can safely isolate themselves away from others and prevent spread to those still vulnerable to this virus, especially to the unvaccinated population," the CNMI government said in a press release.
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Officials said all travelers are required to complete a mandatory health declaration form and upload their vaccination card. Travelers are encouraged to fill out their health declaration form prior to arrival at www.staysafecnmi.com. Unvaccinated travelers are still required to quarantine at home for at least five days and wear a well-fitted mask if they must be around others. Unvaccinated travelers are required to get tested five days after arrival at a community-based testing site.
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If the traveler receives a positive result, the traveler must isolate for an additional five full days. For inbound travelers whose final destination is either Rota or Tinian, their fifth-day test may be scheduled at their respective final health center.
Officials reminded fully vaccinated travelers to continue to wear a well-fitted mask if they must be around others and if they develop symptoms, and should get tested at least five days after arrival. Fully vaccinated travelers wishing to avail of fifth-day testing must register at a community-based testing site.
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