New COVID-19 guidelines for travelers

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands government recently announced a new quarantine procedure as of June 20, 2020, for all individuals entering the Marianas.

Non-residents travelers entering the CNMI are advised to complete all of the following steps in order to be responsibly exempted from the 14-day quarantine process:

1. Fill out an online CNMI Mandatory Declaration Form at least three (3) days prior to their arrival in The Marianas at www.governor.gov.mp/covid19/travel;

2. Register and respond daily to the Sara Alert Symptom Monitoring System

3. Have proof of a valid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at least three (3) days prior to their arrival on The Marianas. The test result will then be reviewed by a CNMI Health Representative.

A valid proof PCR test result is defined as a traveler’s specimen collected within three days or 72 hours prior to arrival. The test result must have the name of the traveler, name of the processing laboratory, specimen collection date, the indication that a PCR test was conducted, the result, and all this information be in English.

A nonresident traveler may be considered for exemption from quarantine and/or testing on arrival if there are epidemiological indications to support the exemption. An epidemiological indication may be prescribed by Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. if the country or state of origin has reported limited community transmission in the last 30 days.

Nonresident travelers without proof of a valid PCR test will be subject to mandatory quarantine for a five-day period in a manner prescribed by the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. at the CNMI COVID-19 Task Force’s designated isolation site at their own cost of $400 per night (including meals). On the fifth day, the individual will be required to process for a test and pay a fee up to $300 for laboratory testing.

“The Marianas has been proactive in helping to flatten the curve to protect our residents from COVID-19 and prepare for the return of visitors,” said Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “Health and safety continue to remain a top priority and we look forward to the return of visitors and appreciate their participation in these health protocols, which will help minimize infection.”

The government reminds the public and all individuals entering the CNMI that getting tested for COVID-19 does not improve response to the illness, nor does it reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting the disease. People who are tested and have a negative result are still vulnerable to the virus. All individuals entering the Marianas are advised to wear a face covering, practice social distancing, and good hygiene to avoid catching the virus themselves and to avoid passing it on to others. (PR)