The only Covid-19 quarantine facility in the Northern Marianas has reached its maximum capacity.
Kanoa Resort Quarantine Facility in CNMI Photo: RNZ Pacific / Mark Rabago
The local Covid-19 Taskforce says the 201-room Kanoa Resort has reached its limit so they will be opening the doors of the former Mariana Resort & Spa from tomorrow.
Incoming travellers have to be quarantined at a government facility and tested twice, (after arrival and five days later), before being cleared.
The former Mariana Resort & Spa, which has been dormant since the government took over following the expiration of its lease, has over 180 rooms.
The Pacific Islands Club Saipan used to accept incoming passengers for quarantine, but its contract with the taskforce wasn't renewed.
Private students are scheduled to return to school next week, and public schools will begin their anticipated hybrid classes, (mix of online and face-to-face ), in September which is expected to bring more people into the CNMI.
The number of coronavirus cases in the CNMI currently stands at 46 after a returning resident tested positive yesterday.
Of the total cases, 22 have been identified through port of entry screening and include 19 cases originated from the US mainland, one from Guam and two elsewhere.