Group helps foreign workers register for COVID-19 testing

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Posted on May 11 2020
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The COVID-19 community-based testing was temporarily suspended over the weekend, but that did not stop a group of volunteers from helping foreign workers register to be tested.

Rosanna Ortiz, a volunteer with the group Friends of CWs, helped explain the importance of taking the COVID-19 test, and assisted foreign workers last Saturday in registering for it.

The volunteer group also distributed relief packs to 160 laid-off or furloughed foreign workers, who are not eligible for food stamps.

“We’re encouraging people to do COVID-19 testing,” Ortiz said. “We are trying to help them register online by getting all their information. Right now, the testing is suspended, but we’re letting people know that they will be called as soon as we get the registration done so that they can be scheduled.”

“The government is doing a good job controlling this pandemic. …By doing testing, we will be able to make ourselves feel at ease, [and feel] the comfort of [having] nothing to worry about,” she added.

The testing, was suspended last weekend to allow for the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. to catch up on the numbers, in terms of the tests and the specimens, as well as for the front-liners to be given the much-needed break, especially for Mother’s Day.

In an interview, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said that the community-based testing is doing well, with the staff on top of making the process seamless. The governor, once again, thanked the community, the private sector, and the government employees for going out and getting tested.

“We’re seeing the numbers, and it’s showing good results. The more we do it, the better chances they get for us detecting the COVID-19 here on our islands,” he added.

To date, CHCC has collected 2,336 specimens through the COVID-19 community-based testing.

Iva Maurin | Correspondent
Iva Maurin is a communications specialist with environment and community outreach experience in the Philippines and in California. She has a background in graphic arts and is the Saipan Tribune’s community and environment reporter. Contact her at iva_maurin@saipantribune.com
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