$100 fine for social distancing violators

People caught violating the 6-foot social distancing mandates will be fined $100 on their first offense.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres ordered the strict implementation of social distancing protocols in the Commonwealth mid-March, immediately after Guam reported its first three confirmed positive COVID-19 cases.

At that time, the CNMI still had no cases. Now, with 14 confirmed cases to date, with nine recoveries, and two deaths, infection rate on the island has remained low. With the community following the strict social distancing directive all over the island, there have been no sharp increases in COVID-19 cases in the CNMI.

The governor announced a new social distancing guidance last Friday, which includes a compilation of renewed emergency directives, and the additional enforcement authority for its more effective implementation.

“By following these guidelines, we can continue to keep our islands safe and protect our man’amko, our chronically ill, and our loved ones. Let’s stay vigilant, patient, and committed, Marianas. Together, we will overcome this pandemic,” Torres said.

Under the social distancing mandate on the updated emergency directive, residents are advised to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart in all public areas, such as in public beaches, pathways, and businesses.

Exercise, wellness (including swimming), and subsistence fishing at public beaches, and activity on pathways, are only allowed from 6am to 6pm daily, and are subject to this social distancing protocol.

It is also prohibited for more than 10 people to gather in a single room or single space, at the same time, for social, spiritual, and recreational activities. This includes, but is not limited to community, civic, public leisure, faith-based, or sporting events. Such gatherings are also prohibited in parades, concerts, festivals, fiestas, conventions, fundraisers, and similar activities.

Violators will be fined $100 for the first offense, a fine of $250 and/or up to three days imprisonment for the second offense, and a fine of $500 and/or up to six months imprisonment for a third offense or more.

Only law enforcement officers, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel, and other first responders who are on-duty are excepted from this mandate.