Previous Story
Rota resumes community testing
|
Posted on Jul 17 2020
With Tinian registering its first COVID-19 case, the neighboring island of Rota assured that it remains free of the virus and underscored this position by resuming its community-based testing last July 15.
“The most viable plan right now is the concentration and screening as well as vetting incoming passengers to follow the procedures for entering the Commonwealth from areas that are prone or known for COVID-19,” said Ivan T. Mereb, press officer of the Rota Mayor’s Office.
Additionally, Mereb said that the community of Rota is on high alert since the island is closer to Guam—where COVID-19 infections are happening more—than Saipan and Tinian. Upon hearing the news about the first two confirmed COVID-19 cases on Saipan last March 30, it brought more stress to the community.
“The community was very alarmed that it got so close to home. I mean, Guam was one regional area away from the Marianas, but having it on Saipan brought the stress level as well as the anxiety level on Rota into a high peak,” said Mereb.
According to Vanessa Quitugua, resident director of Rota’s local health center, 564 people on Rota have already been tested.
“All specimens came back negative and [there have been] no positive cases so far. The last CBT was conducted at the airport on June 13, and we will be resuming this week here at Rota Health Center on Wednesday,” said Quitugua.
Rota’s CBT program is scheduled every Wednesday and Thursday from 1pm to 4pm.
To date, the CNMI has 36 confirmed cases with six active cases and two deaths. (Justine Nauta)
