CPA develops airport screening and response to COVID-19

The Commonwealth Ports Authority has developed a COVID-19 Airport and Screening Response procedure, adding an additional layer of security to the CNMI’s port of entry, to prevent the novel coronavirus from entering the islands.

Airport manager William Camacho said yesterday that, with assistance from the Commonwealth Health Care Corp. and its federal partners, CPA has come up with the screening and response procedures for the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport.

“CHCC public health has issued to the airlines a health declaration form questionnaire prior to landing at the Saipan International Airport, to be filled out as part of the early health screening.

“Areas that are highly looked at are passengers from mainland China, and other developing areas of spread, including passengers from Asia. Flights from United coming in from Guam are screened as well,” Camacho said.

Under the procedure, when a passenger develops symptoms while in the air, the flight attendant is to inform the pilot of the situation, who then will contact the air traffic control tower. The control tower will contact the Center for Disease Control for guidance and the aircraft rescue firefighting personnel, to inform them of the suspected ill passenger.

ARFF will contact CHCC, and in coordination with the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services and the airlines personnel, a deplanement order will be put in place, the passenger will be assessed, and then be transported to the Commonwealth Health Center for further evaluation.

Camacho added that Public Health personnel are at the airport during flight operations to screen and monitor passengers as they deplane, as they pass through Customs and Border Protection and CNMI Customs.

“Public Health is also always present where passengers are present in the facility. Additional personnel for screening have been added over the early morning hours and afternoon flights as they arrive,” he said.

CBP will put a “high stamp” on a passenger’s CNMI Customs Form if the personnel reasonably suspects that the individual may have COVID-19; CNMI Customs and Public Health will be informed.

As per protocol, outbound passengers are closely monitored by the airline agent and TSA as well. Should a passenger exhibit signs and symptoms, ARFF will be informed, and the passenger will be assessed and transported to CHC.

Camacho added that documentation of the response is critical, and that exposure control and standard recommendations for the prevention of disease spread and personnel self-monitoring are also included in the procedures.