News

DFEMS expands personnel for COVID-19 response

The CNMI Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DFEMS) has expanded their personnel as part of the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force in response to the global pandemic.

One patient suspected of COVID-19 passes away

Governor Ralph DLG. Torres, the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC), has confirmed that one patient suspected of COVID-19 passed away yesterday, March 30, 2020.

DPS to enforce social gatherings and curfew hours for all CNMI residents

Pursuant to Directive 10 and Directive 16 of the Second Amended Executive Order 2020-04 (CNMI Public Health Emergency Declaration) by Governor Ralph DLG. Torres, the CNMI Department of Public Safety (DPS), will be strictly enforcing social gatherings of more than 10 people and the enhanced curfew hours for all CNMI residents, both minors (under the age of 18) throughout the three municipalities (Saipan, Tinian and Aguiguan, and Rota) of the Commonwealth.

Amendment to Directive 14 of the Second Amended Executive Order 2020-04 to promote social distancing and expand available store hours

On March 19, 2020, I issued the Second Amended Executive Order 2020-04 (hereinafter “SAEO 2020-04”). SAEO 2020-04 declared a continuing State of Significant Emergency and a State of Public Health Emergency for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands due to the imminent threat of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Under SAEO 2020-04, I invoked my authority under Article III, § 10 of the Commonwealth Constitution, the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Act of 2013, 1 CMC § 20144, and the CNMI Emergency Health Powers Act of 2003, 3 CMC §§ 2181-2195, to take all necessary measures to address the threats facing the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (“CNMI”). 

NAP to extend certifications for ongoing households

Governor Ralph DLG. Torres announced on Sunday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) has approved the CNMI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs – Nutrition Assistance Program’s (DCCA-NAP) requests for waivers to temporarily modify certain NAP procedures and services due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19 while undertaking precautionary measures which conforms to protecting the health and safety of our communities. The DCCA-NAP informs new and ongoing recipients of the following changes:

Governor Torres commends President Trump for signing CARES Act

Governor Ralph DLG. Torres expressed his gratitude to President Donald J. Trump and the U.S. Congress for delivering urgent economic support to the CNMI by enacting the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law on March 27, 2020.

Amendments to Second Amended Executive Order 2020-04 by amending Directive 7 and by adding Directive 15 closing all private schools

On March 19, 2020, I issued the Second Amended Executive Order 2020-04 (hereinafter “SAEO 2020-04”). SAEO 2020-04 declared a continuing State of Significant Emergency and a State of Public Health Emergency for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands due to the imminent threat of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Under SAEO 2020-04, I invoked my authority under Article III, § 10 of the Commonwealth Constitution, the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Act of 2013, 1 CMC § 20144, and the CNMI Emergency Health Powers Act of 2003, 3 CMC §§ 2181-2195, to take all necessary measures to address the threats facing the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (“CNMI”).