Northern Mariana Islands: Authorities to reimpose restrictions in Northern Mariana Islands August 24 /update 3

Event

Authorities in the Northern Mariana Islands will reimplement several restrictions in the territory from Monday, August 24, following a recent uptick in confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A nightly curfew will be reintroduced between 22:00 and 04:00 (local time), with businesses expected to close at 21:00.

According to media sources, indoor social gatherings will be restricted to no more than ten people including, though not limited to, community, civic, public leisure or sporting events, parades, and fiestas. Schools will be closed for face-to-face lessons. Individuals will also only be permitted to use beaches and parks for isolated outdoor exercise. To maintain social distancing and hygiene regulations, attendance at churches will be limited to 50 percent capacity. Restaurants and bars will also have a limited to 50 percent occupancy and will continue to conduct temperature screenings of employees and customers. 

Flights in and out of the territory remain limited, although residents and nationals are permitted entry. Cargo and medical evacuation flights between Saipan, Tinian, and Rota have also continued, including the daily mail service to Guam, whilst United Airlines has continued its thrice-weekly service to Saipan. Those arriving at Saipan from China, the US, Hawaii, or Guam will be subject to a 14-day quarantine at a government-designated hotel.

As of Friday, August 21, there are 54 confirmed COVID-19 cases and two associated fatalities in the Northern Mariana Islands. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay. To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.