CNMI records more Covid-19 cases as testing kits arrive

11:22 am on 15 April 2020

The Northern Marianas has recorded two new cases of Covid-19, bringing their total number of infections to 13.

An employee wearing protective clothing does testings for the coronavirus at a laboratory as the spread of the disease continues, in Arkhangelsk, Russia.

Photo: AFP

The Governor's Covid-19 Taskforce and the Commonwealth Health Care Corporation said the two new cases were 55-year old and 61-year old men who are both in stable condition and being monitored by medical teams.

The CHCC has already initiated tracing for the most immediate contacts of the confirmed cases.

It says the cases indicate community transmission within a cluster of linked cases.

As of Tuesday, the CNMI submitted 59 specimens for Covid-19 testing with 13 positive results and two deaths.

Four results are still pending.

Three weeks ago the CNMI ordered of 60,000 Covid -19 test kits from South Korea.

The first 20,000 kits arrived last week, with the remaining 40,000 due within the week.

Governor Ralph Torres says with the acquisition of the test kits, the CNMI will be able test everyone in the islands as his administration's goal is to conduct 100 percent testing.

CNMI Governor Ralp DLG Torres.

CNMI Governor Ralp DLG Torres. Photo: Office of the Governor of CNMI