COVID-19 cases: 8 stable, 1 in hospital

Of the 11 persons in the CNMI who have tested positive for COVID-19 and minus the two deaths, Saipan Tribune learned that eight are in stable condition at the Kanoa Resort quarantine site in Susupe, while one is currently hospitalized at the Commonwealth Health Center on Navy Hill.

Due to privacy concerns, however, nothing more could be learned about the individual who is currently at CHC.

As of 5:30pm, April 12, the CNMI’s numbers for COVID-19 remain the same as of April 8. The Commonwealth Health Care Corp., which runs CHC is still awaiting the results of the nine pending COVID-19 tests.

According to Saipan Tribune archives, there are 11 positive cases in the CNMI to date and two deaths.

Addressing the concerns of many non-U.S. citizens, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is encouraging non-U.S. citizens to seek necessary medical treatment or preventative services should you have symptoms that resemble COVID-19.

“Such treatment or preventive services will not negatively affect any alien as part of a future Public Charge analysis,” states part of the USCIS statement that was released by CHCC.

The statement added that any COVID-19 test and/or treatment “will be covered by your health insurance, with little to no copay. It is suggested that you should check with your health insurance provider” about coverage and copay changes for any COVID-19-related services.

If an individual doesn’t have health insurance, CHCC offers a sliding fee discount program that will allow discounts for COVID-19 related services according to family income. CNMI residents, regardless of immigration status, can also avail of this program.

If an undocumented individual seeks COVID-19 screening or treatment, CHCC won’t report the immigration status of their patients to federal immigration authorities.

“COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate, and neither does CHCC,” the statement said. “It’s essential that everyone get the care they need to combat this virus in our community.”

Telemedicine pediatrics

Does your child have an unknown rash that you don’t know how to treat? CHCC’s Pediatrics Department offers telemedicine services.

Telemedicine is the practice of caring for patients remotely when the provider and patient are not physically present with each other. Modern technology has allowed doctors to consult patients by using The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant video-conferencing tools.

According to a Facebook post, CHCC’s Pediatrics Department will now be seeing children via laptop, tablet, cellphones, or anything with a webcam.

If you want to obtain a same-day appointment by phone or video chat, call (670)234-8950 and ask to make a telehealth appointment for children’s clinic.

This medical advantage is meant for appointments that do not need immediate care unless the doctor advises that you must go to the hospital for a certain appointment. If you do have an emergency, it is advised that you call 911 or go straight to the emergency room at CHC.

COVID-19 in Guam

As of 2:30pm, April 13, Guam’s COVID-19 numbers remain the same. According to the Joint Information Center in Guam, the Department of Public Health and Social Services tested 33 individuals for COVID-19 last April 11. Two came back positive through DPHSS, 31 tested negative, and one additional case was confirmed through Diagnostic Laboratory Services.

According to Saipan Tribune archives, the DPHSS overall count also includes cases of COVID-19 that have been clinically diagnosed, confirmed positive cases tested by the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, California, and confirmed positive cases through DLS.

As of 2:30pm, April 13, there are a total of 133 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guam, with 58 recoveries and five deaths. All 70 remaining cases are in isolation.