SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation is urging residents to take simple steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, citing a recent increase in cases in the CNMI.
Most people recover from COVID-19, but some can become very sick, CHCC said in a release Thursday. Older adults, babies, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions are at greater risk for serious illness. The virus spreads from person to person through the air.
Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, tiredness, body aches, loss of taste or smell, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
CHCC encouraged residents to stay home when sick, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands often with soap and water and use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. The hospital also recommended avoiding close contact with others while sick, wearing a mask for five days after developing symptoms or being exposed to COVID-19, improving indoor airflow by opening windows or increasing ventilation when possible and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
Residents should contact a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or if they have trouble breathing, CHCC said. People at higher risk for serious illness should speak with their provider as soon as possible if they develop symptoms.
“Simple actions can help protect your family, friends, and neighbors,” the release said. “Staying home when sick, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying up to date on vaccinations can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
For vaccine information, call the CHCC Immunization Program at 670-236-8745.
