3 test positive for COVID-19

The CNMI community goes 110 days today with no community transmission but its number of positive COVID-19 cases went up three notches last Dec. 5, with three more travelers testing positive and raising the CNMI’s cumulative total to 109.

According to the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., these three travelers came from the U.S. mainland had tested positive upon arrival. They were brought to the Alternative Care Site site at Kanoa Resort in Susupe and CHCC has already conducted the initial contact tracing for the most immediate contacts of the three new cases, including passengers on the same flight.

As of Dec. 5, there are four people in isolation, CHCC said.

Last Thursday, Dec. 3, a total of 144 people were tested on their fifth day of quarantine, and all tested negative.

Separately, CHCC reiterated the CNMI’s quarantine procedures, saying the process has not changed: all travelers arriving into Saipan must quarantine for a minimum of five to seven days at a designated government quarantine facility.

“Upon arrival at the designated government quarantine facility, all travelers are required to undergo first-day testing [and then] a second time on the fifth day after their arrival date. If fifth-day testing returns negative, individuals may be released from the designated quarantine facility,” said CHCC.

Incoming travelers must complete a CNMI mandatory declaration form. Obtain a copy of the form at governor.gov.mp/covid-19/travel/.

COVID-19 in Guam

The Joint Information Center reported that Guam’s 113th COVID-19-related fatality was a 63-year-old woman with underlying conditions that were further compounded by COVID-19.

The COVID-19-related fatality happened at the U.S. Naval Hospital at approximately 6:30am last Dec. 4. The 63-year-old female was admitted to USNH last Dec. 4, and was a known positive case.

“While the pain of losing a loved one never leaves, it is profoundly felt during the holiday season. To her family and friends, [first gentleman] Jeff [Cook], Lt. Gov. Josh [Tenorio], and I send our heartfelt condolences and sympathies,” said Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero.

To date, there has been a total of 6,959 officially reported cases of COVID-19 in Guam, with 113 deaths, 790 cases in active isolation, and 6,056 not in active isolation.

Of these 17 cases, three cases were identified through contact tracing and one case reported recent travel and was identified in quarantine.

As of Dec. 4, Guam’s COVID-19 Area Risk Score is 2.0, Guam’s ideal score. The CAR Score accounts for the incidence of new cases, how well current testing identifies these cases, and the rate of spread.