Saipan-- The CNMI has identified a community cluster, with a total of eight Covid-19 positive cases detected through expanded contact tracing since Friday.
The Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force today reported four positive cases -- all four are asymptomatic and are in stable condition -- that were traced to the four cases detected on March 12.
According to the Covid-19 Task Force, the CNMI has had a total of 154 coronavirus cases since March 28, 2020.
The immediate response, use of state-of-the-art tools and techniques by the CHCC contact tracing and laboratory team allowed for rapid containment and protection for our CNMI community.
Prior to the emergence of new cases, the CNMI had managed to control the coronavirus transmission and had not reported new cases for several months until March 12.
The first new case was identified through outbound travel testing. The individual did not show any symptoms and completed their Covid-19 vaccination prior to testing.
By 10 p.m., contact tracing identified 10 high-risk contacts and transported to Kanoa Resort (designated quarantine facility).
At 8 a.m. Saturday, testing for all 10 contacts was conducted, inclusive of the use of redundant testing platforms. At 10 a.m. the same day, test results showed three out of 10 individuals testing positive for Covid-19.
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"All three additional cases are of familial relations to case 147," the task force said. "Expanded contact investigation for person referenced in case 147 led to 10 additional high-risk contacts, bringing the total number of contacts to 20 individuals. All were in isolation and tested on redundant platforms."
As of 9:35 a.m. Sunday, CHCC and the Covid-19 Task Force have identified 49 individuals through expanded contact tracing.
"All 49 contacts have been safely isolated away from the community. Contact tracing will continue to identify high-risk contacts and to isolate them away from the community," the task force said.
Public health authorities said the CHCC is not seeing a widespread of community transmission.
"The concern right now is providing care to the individuals and potential individuals exposed to Covid-19. Early identification will help to protect our community," officials said, reminding residents to continue practicing safety measures.