CNMI equipped to fight omicron and its subvariant

As the omicron subvariant BA.2 continues to spread globally at a rapid rate, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. and the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force reiterate that the CNMI is equipped to fight omicron and its subvariants.

The first sample that was identified as the omicron subvariant BA.2 was collected on Jan. 7, 2022. Of the 64 samples sequenced in the batch sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last Jan. 12, 2022, 43 were identified as the omicron variant and 21 as the delta variant. One of the 43 omicron samples was identified as the BA.2 subvariant. The samples in this batch were collected from Dec. 20, 2021 to Jan. 10, 2022.

CHCC regularly communicates with the CDC and sends COVID-19 specimens to the CDC for genetic sequencing. As of Feb. 12, 2022, the omicron subvariant BA.2 accounted for 3.9% of the total cases of COVID-19 sequenced in the United States.

According to the World Health Organization, preliminary data suggest that omicron BA.2 is more transmissible than the original omicron variant. Although there is currently no indication to suggest that there is a difference in the severity of BA.2 compared to the original variant, some people may still have severe disease, need hospitalization, and could die from the infection with this subvariant. Even if only a small percentage of people with omicron infection need hospitalization, the large volume of cases could overwhelm the health care system.

Persons infected with the omicron variant can show symptoms similar to previous variants. The severity of symptoms can be affected by COVID-19 vaccination status, other health conditions, age, and history of prior infection.

The CNMI is equipped to fight omicron and its subvariants. COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and testing are readily available.

I. COVID-19 Vaccines
Current vaccines remain effective against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the omicron variant. Individuals who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and get COVID-19 are less likely to develop serious illness than those who are unvaccinated and get COVID-19.

The COVID-19 Task Force and CHCC continue to encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or get a booster shot if they are eligible. Walk-ins are accepted at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center, Monday to Saturday, 8am– 4pm. To register for or a COVID-19 vaccine booster or for more information, call (670) 682-7468 or visit www.vaccinatecnmi.com.

II. COVID-19 Therapeutics
COVID-19 positive individuals should seek care within five days of a positive test result as they may be eligible for treatment that is given soon after infection, especially individuals who are considered high-risk, including history of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, or cancer, or are over the age of 65.

Individuals who wish to avail of COVID-19 therapeutics may visit the Koblerville COVID-19 Community Center for a referral for treatment. The KC3 is open every day, 8am–4pm (closed 12pm–1pm).

Individuals may also avail of COVID-19 therapeutics at the Medical Care and Treatment Site at the Commonwealth Health Center by walking up to entry screeners and requesting COVID-19 treatment. After-hour treatment requests will be handled by the CHCC Emergency Department.

With omicron’s increased transmissibility, continue to live COVID-19 safe: follow the 3 W’s (wear a well-fitted mask, wash your hands, watch your distance); stay at home as much as possible; limit your contact with persons outside your household; clean or disinfect surfaces frequently; monitor symptoms daily; cover coughs and sneezes; and get tested for COVID-19.

III. COVID-19 Testing
Individuals can get tested at the KC3 Community-Based Testing site. The CBT schedule for PCR testing is available at https://covidtesting.chcc.health. Antigen testing, which does not require registration, is also available at the KC3.

Free at-home test kits are available online at www.covidtests.gov. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID- 19 tests. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. At-home test kits are also available at local pharmacies and general stores.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services hosts free COVID-19 testing every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at Susupe and Kagman fire stations, from 8am–4pm (closed 12pm–1pm). An extra DFEMS testing site at Micro Beach is open on Saturdays. For the latest DFEMS COVID-19 testing schedule, visit www.facebook.com/CNMIDFEMS.

Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate when they are sick (except to get medical care), even if they do not have symptoms; rest; stay hydrated; and can take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve symptoms.

Individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should stay home and do the same (except to get medical care or get tested for COVID-19). Other options include seeing their health care provider or calling the CHCC Tele-Triage hotline at (670) 233-2067. For a guidebook on how to live COVID-19 safe, visit www.staysafecnmi.com/livecovidsafe.

IV. Contact Information
For medical emergencies, call 911. Seek emergency medical attention if someone is showing any of these signs: trouble breathing; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion; inability to wake or stay awake; pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.

Individuals can also call CHCC contact tracers for referral to get assessed for monoclonal antibody treatments at (670) 286-1710, 286-1711, 285-1942, 287-1652, and 287-1683.

For mental health support and coping skills, call (670) 284-0843 or 284-0847, every day, 8:30am– 3:30 p.m.

For more information regarding general COVID-19 response protocols, call the COVID-19 Infoline at (670) 488-0211, every day, 8am–8pm. (PR)