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COVID-19 delta variant identified in the CNMI
The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. and the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force recently received confirmation that a COVID-19 specimen sent in July 2021 to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was identified as the delta variant, B.1.617.2.
There is no current risk to the public.
The specimen came from a traveler who tested positive upon arrival in July 2021 from the U.S. mainland. The traveler was quarantined and had no close contacts who tested positive for COVID-19. CHCC regularly communicates with the CDC and sends all COVID-19 specimens to the CDC for sequencing.
According to the CDC, there has been verified reports of this variant in 115 different locations globally. The delta variant was first detected in the U.S. in March 2021. It is a variant of concern for which there is evidence of an increase in transmissibility.
CHCC and the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force would like to remind residents to practice caution. With its increased transmissibility, it is even more important to get vaccinated and continue to practice the 3 Ws (wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance) to help prevent the creation of even more variants and spread of COVID-19.
Consider registering for COVID-19 vaccinations at www.vaccinatecnmi.com, by calling the CHCC call center at 682-SHOT (7468), or registering in person at any vaccination site. (PR)
