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Gathering restrictions to be discussed in light of rise in COVID-19 cases
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Posted on Nov 30 2021
The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, and Gov. Ralph DLG Torres are set to talk about enhancing gathering restrictions and enforcements this week in light of the continued increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the community.
According to CHCC CEO Esther Muna, CHCC, along with the task force and Office of the Governor, are in discussion whether further gathering restrictions and enforcement is needed for gatherings both large and small groups.
“We’re working on some things right now at this time, but we have not made a decision. We’re going to be discussing it further sometime this week with the governor and the task force. I think the concern is, if a restriction is approved, whatever restriction we decide on, it has to make sense. What we’re seeing is [the spread of COVID] is happening in smaller congregations, smaller gatherings. Without enforcement, even a small gathering is a high risk,” she said.
Meanwhile, when asked about whether Christmas caroling will be allowed this holiday season, Muna said the matter also falls under the gathering restriction and enforcement discussion to be had this week.
“We want to make sure that whatever prevention we put in place makes sense and, at the same time, is something that is necessary,” she said.
Muna said further details will be announced to the community once a decision is made.
Currently, Muna said, because the Office of the Governor has yet to lift the Public Health Emergency for the CNMI, the Office of the Governor and the task force have the authority to impose further gathering restrictions and enforcement, especially given recent the rise in positive COVID-19 cases.
