By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Saipan- CNMI Gov. Ralph Torres tested positive for Covid-19 after being in close contact with a family member who was stricken by the coronavirus.
"I received a Covid-19 antigen test administered by the Task Force on Sunday, Jan. 30th and was informed shortly after that I tested positive for Covid-19,” Torres said in a statement.
Before Sunday, Torres said he took Covid-19 tests on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, which all returned negative results.
“Despite testing positive, I remain in good spirits and am not experiencing any symptoms. I am thankful for having received my vaccinations and booster shot and will quarantine at home as per current Covid-19 quarantine protocols. I will continue to telework while in isolation and will do my part to keep my family, staff, and community safe.”
“I want to extend my appreciation to the Covid-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. for their continued work and commitment to keeping our community safe, and continue to thank our residents for following our most updated Covid-19 protocols. As a commonwealth, we are living through the new normals of this pandemic; our community’s ability to come together to face this challenge is a testament of our strength and resilience," the governor said.
As of Jan. 30, the CNMI had a 99.2 percent vaccination rate.
"Vaccinations help prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, and I urge those unvaccinated individuals to get vaccinated, and our community to consider getting their booster shots. Please also remember to practice the 3 Ws, wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance,” Torres said.
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The CNMI government today reported 44 additional individuals who have been confirmed positive for Covid-19, bringing the CNMI total to 4,908 cases since March 26, 2020. The individuals have been isolated and are actively monitored.
As of Jan. 31, there were 10 individuals hospitalized as a result of Covid-19: five unvaccinated, four vaccinated, one partially vaccinated; one of the 10 is on a ventilator and three were discharged.
According to the CNMI's updated Covid-19 protocols, effective Jan. 29, individuals confirmed positive with Covid-19 and are asymptomatic must stay home for at least five days, isolated from others, and wear a well-fitted mask around others.”
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