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Beaches and pathways, docks and ramps are re-opened
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Posted on Apr 06 2020
People have taken to walking again around the Oleai track and field after Gov. Ralph DLG Torres rescinded his previous order that barred people from using public beaches and pathways. (Chevy Kate Alipio)
Anyone may once again access public beaches and pathways, from 6am to 6pm, but only for exercise and wellness, and for shoreline subsistence fishing.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, last Friday, amended directive 14 of the Second Amended Executive Order 2020-04, and allowed for the individual use of all public beaches and pathways, to exercise and maintain both physical and mental wellness, and to do shoreline subsistence fishing, such as talåya and rod and reel.
The governor stressed that social distancing must strictly be observed.
“Upon further consultations with my government team and members of the public, I believe that physical exercise and shoreline subsistence fishing are critical to maintaining our community’s physical and mental health and wellness as long as strict social distancing requirements are met,” he said in his new directive.
Torres initially ordered the closure of all public beaches and pathways to the public to lessen the points of interactions and contact people would have with each other, in relation to the directive to strictly implement social distancing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 cases on the island.
“Our goal is to contain and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the CNMI,” the governor added.
“Your wellbeing and emotional resilience are equally as essential to help our community get through the COVID-19 pandemic. Practice self-care responsibly by adhering to strict social distancing directives.”
Also, boats ramps and docks on Saipan were reopened, following Torres’ consultation with the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam commander Christopher Chase, the COVID-19 Task Force, and the members of the fishing and boating community.
The governor also emphasized the importance for all vessel operators to ensure that vessels are thoroughly checked and maintained prior to entering the water, and for operators and crew members to practice self-care responsibly.
