Temporary restrictions lifted

The temporary restrictions that were put in place in the CNMI starting Aug. 24, 2020, expired yesterday, Sept. 6, 2020, and are now lifted. 

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres announced in a statement on Sunday that the limits on in-person interactions, social gatherings, and business hours, and the stricter curfew hours, are now lifted and the CNMI goes back to the restrictions that were in place before Aug. 24, 2020.

This means curfew hours are now back to 2am to 4am.

The CNMI remains on Community Vulnerability Level Blue, which is a step away from the safest level, which is Green. There are three higher risk levels, with Red as the least safe.

Since January, the Torres-Palacios administration through the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. has implemented strict, but necessary constraints on activities throughout the Commonwealth in an effort to prevent and control the spread of coronavirus throughout the community. 

Due in large part to the proactive implementation of these risk mitigation measures, the continued success of the CNMI’s COVID-19 preventative measures at the borders, as well as the cooperation of the community in adhering to guidance from CNMI health officials, the CNMI has been able to contain community transmission. 

These last two weeks of temporary restrictions have been used to determine how widespread community transmission is within the CNMI and to prevent further spread of the virus. So far, the CNMI has had only 58 positive COVID-19 cases.

The entire community is to be commended for washing their hands, wearing a mask, and watching their distance in public.  However, it remains important to be vigilant and to not have our guard down, which requires all CNMI residents to work together. 

“I want to thank all of our federal and local partners, our businesses, and everyone who calls the Marianas home for being with us in our efforts to keep our community safe from COVID-19. It has not been easy this year, but we can be proud knowing that the CNMI is one of the safest places in the world. Let’s continue to be vigilant and work together,” said Torres. 

Exceptions to curfew hours remain for first responders while in performance of their official duties and displaying a COVID-19 Task Force-issued badge; any person employed during the curfew hours or is in direct route of going to or returning from their place of employment; and any person going to or returning from admission to the hospital or completion of treatment such as hemodialysis.

First-time curfew violators, including individuals found driving on a public road during curfew hours, will be subject to a fine of $200; second-time curfew violators will be subject to a fine of $500; third-time or more curfew violators will be subject to a fine of $750 and/or the impound of his/her vehicle by the Department of Public Safety. Each passenger in a vehicle found driving on a public road outside of the curfew hours will also be fined: $100 for a first-time offense; $200 for a second-time offense; $300 for a third-time or more offense.

Gatherings of no more than 25 people in a single room or single space are permitted. 

Church services must limit attendance to 75% of allowed occupancy and maintain social distancing and sanitation guidelines. 

All businesses that have facilities open to the public may be open to the public from 5am to 1am.

All businesses shall limit occupancy to 75% in accordance with supplemental regulatory guidance set by the Department of Public Works Building Code.

Restaurants and bars must continue to serve dine-in customers under social distancing parameters and at 75% of their originally permitted occupancy.  In addition, restaurants and bars must conduct temperature screening of all employees and patrons prior to entering the establishment. For patrons, establishments must document patrons’ name, phone number in a log which must be accessible to CNMI officials.

Employees are required to wear facial coverings when providing service to the patrons and are included in the 75% occupancy limit. Patrons are also required to wear face masks whether dining inside or outside.

Gas stations are allowed to open to the public between 5am and 1am.

All businesses engaged in gaming, including the casino, video poker establishments, and e-gaming facilities, remain closed to the public, except if authorized to operate. 
 
Business enforcement

The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, in coordination with and with the assistance of the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Commerce, Alcohol Beverage & Tobacco Control Division, the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and any other necessary Commonwealth agency, shall enforce business hours and social distancing requirements. Failure to follow will subject the violator to penalties. First-time offense violators will be closed for a month; second-time offense violators will be subject closed for up to six months; third-time or more offense violators will be closed for up to a year.
 
Outdoor recreation and gatherings

All public parks, public pathways, and public beaches are open for all recreational activities and social gatherings, subject to the social distancing requirements regarding gatherings (no more than 25 people) and curfew mandate mentioned above. 

The Grotto remains closed. 

Mañagaha Island is open for recreation and gatherings, so long as social distancing requirements are implemented for both transport vessels and on-island activities.  Transport vessels must be subject to constant and consistent disinfection. This section will be enforced by the Department of Public Lands. 
 
Schools

All public and private schools in the Commonwealth are permitted to resume in-person instruction and activities, subject to the review and approval of operational plans and site assessments by the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, DPW, and CHCC. 

All schools, both public and private, across the Commonwealth, are encouraged to facilitate alternative modes of education, such as distance learning through online means or a hybrid of both in-person and online learning. 

The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and CHCC continue to urge individuals to practice the Three W’s: Wash your hands. Watch your distance. Wear a face covering.

Individuals and businesses are encouraged to seek guidance regarding these protective measures. Report any non-compliance of these directives to the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force at 237-8034, 8035, 8036, and 8037. (PR)