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Closures await businesses violating COVID-19 mandate
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Posted on Apr 21 2020
Immediate closure awaits businesses that are found violating the social distancing directive.
Almost a month ago, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres restricted business operations in the CNMI, in order to limit points of interactions between people, as part of the mitigating measures for COVID-19.
Under the business mandate of the CNMI COVID-19 Emergency Directive, most recently released by the Office of the Governor, businesses will be closed for up to a year if found to be in violation of the 6-foot social distancing guidance.
Based on the mandate, businesses should only open from 6am to 6pm.
Visible customer lineup markers that are 6 feet apart, leading to a cashier counter or place of transaction, must be in place. Postings of “one-way” flow signs for entrances and “one-way” flow signs for exits is also required.
Businesses must also control the flow of traffic in their establishments, and the number of customers within public facilities are to be limited, at any time, to 50% of the permitted occupancy.
Restaurants and catering services are not allowed to open their dine-in facilities, but are permitted to provide drive-thru, take-out, curbside pickup, and delivery services.
Gas stations may remain open past curfew hours (7pm to 6am) but only for the dispensing of gasoline. A station’s convenience store should be closed before 6am or after 6pm. Gas stations can, however, provide curbside convenience items until closing time, particularly as first responders drive back home.
Businesses engaged in recreational or amusement type activities and gaming, such as casinos, video poker establishments, and e-gaming facilities, are to remain closed.
Any business that would violate the mandate will be subject to an immediate one-month closure for first-time offense violators; an immediate six-month closure for second-time offense violators; and an immediate one-year closure for third-time or more offense violators.
