3rd COVID-19-related death in CNMI

A vaccinated male with underlying medical conditions who passed earlier this month has been confirmed as the CNMI’s third COVID-19-related death.

The patient, who was a CNMI resident, had tested positive for COVID-19 in August, was identified on arrival through travel screening, and quarantined, according to a news release from the Office of the Governor, the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. last night.

It said the patient was admitted to the hospital while in quarantine, recovered, and was discharged in early September. Shortly after, he was readmitted to the CHCC hospital due to complications related to COVID-19 pneumonia.

“It is always heartbreaking when we lose a patient to any disease after exhausting all efforts to help them recover. We share in the family’s grief and send our deepest condolences as they try to find comfort and strength in these difficult times,” said CHCC chief medical officer John Tudela, M.D. “This virus continues to demonstrate how unforgiving and unrelenting it can be as it evolves and rages on globally. We cannot stress enough to the community how important it is for everyone to continue to be vigilant here and when traveling outside the CNMI to protect yourself and your loved ones. Our community fortunately has been spared from a surge so far, but we cannot let our guard down.”

Currently, there are 273 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the CNMI. The latest case was added last Oct. 6, 2021. The individual was identified by travel screening and confirmed through fifth-day testing on Oct. 6, 2021. The individual has been quarantined and is now being monitored.

“It is never easy to hear news that we lost a member of our community,” said Gov. Ralph DLG Torres. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones during this difficult time, and we ask our community to keep them in their prayers. This should be a constant reminder for all of us to continue protecting each other during this pandemic. We will continue to keep our community safe.”

The same news release quotes CHCC chief executive officer Esther L. Muña as saying, “We ask the community to join us in keeping the family and the deceased in our thoughts during this trying time,” said. “The loss of a community member affects us all; we should look out and be there for each other. We will provide necessary assistance to the family.”

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, contact the CHCC Tele-Triage hotline at (670) 233-2067. The hotline runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (Saipan Tribune)