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Writer's pictureBy Pacific Island Times News Staff

CNMI's Covid cluster swelling up; schools revert to distance learning



Saipan-- The Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) reported today that two additional individuals have been confirmed positive for Covid-19.

Within the recently identified community cluster, a total of 10 individuals have been confirmed positive for Covid-19.

This brings the total Covid-19 count for the CNMI to 156 individuals since March 28, 2020.

These two additional individuals were identified through expanded contact tracing and testing on redundant platforms. Both are safely in quarantine and are asymptomatic. All positive cases and close contacts are isolated and in quarantine away from the community.

At this time, the Covid-19 Task Force and CHCC are not seeing a widespread community transmission. The concern right now is providing care to the individuals and potential individuals exposed to Covid-19.


As the task force and CHCC continue to investigate, the CNMI is reminded to be cautious when interacting with others outside of their immediate household. Take actions to protect yourself and your loved ones.


The emergence of new positive cases has prompted the closure of classrooms.


“The impacted school, teacher, students and families of the affected class have been identified and quarantined as part of the continued contact tracing efforts,"

Education Commissioner Alfred B. Ada said.


“I want to assure all of our students, parents, teachers and staff, and our public education stakeholders that we are doing everything we can to get through this, and ensuring optimum safety of all our students, staff, and their families,” he added.


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Ada on Saturday announced that all public elementary, middle and high schools on Saipan, Tinian and Rota will return to remote learning for two weeks, from March 13 to 27.


The decision was made with the Board of Education led by Chairman Andrew L. Orsini and in coordination with the CNMI Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force.


The Office of the Commissioner of Education instructed school staff to self-quarantine for the next 14 days beginning March 13 to 27.


School administrators and support staff will self-quarantine for five days after securing their campuses.


All campuses will continue their regular deep cleaning and sanitation that began prior to the resumption of in-person instruction through blended learning on Feb. 2, officials said.



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