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CNMI remains coronavirus-free
Contrary to rumors that the novel coronavirus has already reached the CNMI, the Commonwealth Health Care Corp. assures that there hasn’t been any cases or suspected cases in the CNMI.
According to CHCC spokesperson Zoe Travis, CHCC has had no suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus cases as of Friday morning.
As of Thursday, the World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, or PHEIC, relating to an outbreak of the novel coronavirus, which is officially called 2019-nCoV. Previous WHO emergencies covered the Ebola, Zika, and H1N1 viruses.
By declaring a PHEIC, the WHO can mobilize resources and mount a coordinated international response. In line with the need for global solidarity, the WHO Emergency Committee felt that a global coordinated effort is needed to enhance preparedness in other regions of the world that may need additional support.
The committee also said in its meeting that they believe it is still possible to interrupt the spread of the virus if countries are vigilant and put in place strong preparedness measures.
CHCC assures that it continuously monitors all ports of entry in the CNMI and is working with community partners and organizations to ensure that, should a coronavirus case appears in the CNMI, “we are prepared to contain it and mitigate risk to the community as much as possible,” the hospital corporation said in a statement.
“CHCC would also like to remind the community to take precautionary measures against becoming ill, not just with the novel coronavirus, but with other diseases with similar symptoms such as the common cold and the flu,” the statement added.
It is believed that, similar to other coronaviruses, 2019-nCoV spreads through tiny droplets that a person coughs or sneezes onto surfaces around them. The danger of transmission comes from a non-sick person getting those droplets into their eyes or mouth.
How the virus spreads from person to person can vary. From the information that the CHCC has acquired, the transmission of the virus happens if a sick person coughs or sneezes into their hand, then touches something like a bathroom door handle or shakes a non-sick person’s hand. If that non-sick person touches the germs, then touches their eyes or mouth, the virus can get into their system.
