The Northern Marianas government has vowed to imprison anyone caught violating the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement for arrivals instituted to control the spread of Covid-19 in the islands.
A year's jail time is on the books for those who do not comply with the requirement, as is a fine of $US500.
The mandatory quarantine period is being enforced to protect the CNMI's small community.
All arrivals to the CNMI are ordered to quarantine at one of several designated facilities to house travellers and suspected Covid-19 cases.
The CNMI currently has two cases of the coronavirus and one fatality suspected to be due to Covid-19 but as yet to be confirmed.
A 70-year-old man who died at Kanoa Resort was suspected to have Covid-19 but also had underlying medical conditions.
Authorities say a treatment plan was offered, but the next of kin opted for care at the hotel.
Test results from the death are still pending.
