CPA reminds public to follow public health measures at its ports

In light of the emergence of the COVID-19 delta variant, the Commonwealth Ports Authority continues to remind the public that it must adhere to the public health measures consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on public modes of transportation and at ports of entry to the United States.

These guidelines are contained within CDC’s Jan. 29, 2021, emergency order, which remains in effect.

In accordance with CDC guidelines, CPA reminds the public that all persons must wear masks over their mouth and nose when traveling and while at CPA airports and seaports.

There are five circumstances where an individual will not be required to wear a mask: while eating, drinking, or taking medication, for brief periods; while communicating with a person who is hearing impaired when the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication; when the use of an oxygen mask is needed on an aircraft; when an individual is incapacitated, unable to be awakened, or unable to remove the mask without assistance, excluding sleeping; and when necessary to verify one’s identity, such as during Transportation Security Administration screening.

There are also three exemptions from the mask wearing requirement. The following individuals are not required to wear masks at CPA ports: children under the age of 2; persons with disabilities that cannot wear a mask because of the disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act; and persons for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duties.

In accordance with President Joe Biden’s Jan. 21, 2021, executive order, CDC guidelines, and other Federal memoranda, CPA has expanded its efforts to ensure that any person entering or on airport or seaport premises wears a mask.

These efforts continue to include the requirement that all employees, tenants, vendors, visitors, and traveling passengers properly wear masks at CPA ports. A properly worn mask will completely cover the nose and mouth of the wearer. Additionally, persons requesting an exemption from the requirement to wear a mask must provide a medical consultation by a third party or medical documentation by a licensed medical provider that advises the person not wear a mask. Individuals requesting an exemption must also provide evidence that he does not have COVID-19, such as a negative result from a SAR- CoV-2 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19. Last, any persons refusing to comply and wear a mask or act in compliance with CDC guidelines will be removed from the premises.

Additionally, in light of the delta variant and increased tourism, CPA has implemented additional measures at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport to provide greater public health protection. These measures include allowing only ticketed passengers beyond certain areas during flight operations and designating an area for passenger pick-up.

CPA also asks that travelers comply with all signs posted at the airport and all TSA and public awareness messages announced over the public address system.

These measures will relieve congestion at the entrance and exits of the terminal and facilitate social distancing. (PR)