MCATS now available in response to COVID-19

The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. COVID-19 Health Tent has now transitioned into the Medical Care and Treatment Site on the CHCC upper level.

The CHCC COVID-19 Tent operations, in front of the upper level CHCC Outpatient Pharmacy, is now at the MCATS effective last Saturday, May 9, 2020. The MCATS Tent will be open Monday to Sunday (8am-5pm). Patients can register and wait in MCATS Tent #13 for the following:

●      Individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or are concerned about COVID-19 infection
●      Individuals exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 during the screening process before going to their appointment (e.g. Oncology, Dialysis)
●      Identified individuals by the Contact Tracing Team
●      Clinical evaluation for work clearance. This does not include testing for COVID-19, unless clinically necessary
●      IgG/IgM testing for interested first responders 
●      Other COVID-19 related functions as needed

During the patient examination, a medical provider will determine if the patient has COVID-19 symptoms and provide care as needed or refer to appropriate location/facility.

Parking at the MCATS will be available for use by patients. 

Patients that need immediate/emergency medical attention may proceed to the CHCC Emergency Room as normal.
 
Stay at home, stop the spread

The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and CHCC continue to encourage residents within the Marianas to practice social distancing, which means avoiding close contact with people in order to avoid catching the virus yourself and to avoid passing it on to others.

·      Stay home as much as possible. Avoid unnecessary travel or public places.
·      Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10.
·      Pick up food through drive-thru, take-out, or delivery options.
·      Only one healthy adult from the household should run necessary errands, such as getting groceries or picking up medications. Leave children, elderly, and other vulnerable people at home as much as possible. When returning home from an errand, wash your hands before doing anything else.  
·      Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. People at high risk should stay at home as much as possible.
·        Create a household plan of action. See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/checklist-household-ready.html
·      Ensure a 30-day supply of all medicines.
 Continue good hand hygiene:
·      Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, avoid touching your face, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
·      Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available.
Know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if you become symptomatic:
·      Stay home when you are sick and if you recently traveled to a place with COVID-19. Self-quarantine means:
o   Choosing a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others.
o   Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
o   Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
o   Limiting visitors

To obtain general information about the CNMI COVID-19 response, contact the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force hotline at 287-0046, 287-0489, 287-1089. These numbers are available Monday to Sunday 7am-7pm.

For medical information about COVID-19, reach out to the COVID-19 Infoline at the following numbers: 285-1542/1672/1352/1854. These numbers are available Monday to Sunday, 7:30am-8pm.

For mental health support and helpful tips during a crisis call the Mental Health Support Line at 285-1856, 323-6560, 323-6561. These numbers are available Monday to Friday 7:30am-4:30pm. For the 24/7 Disaster Distress Helpline call SAMSHA at 1-800-985-5990. (PR)