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as they many residents have on providing services to our owner and president James become friends and family. local divers,” said owner Rhea Burke opened the new plaza Businesses stay nimble “When tough times come, it is McDoulett. “We have been for- with a supermarket, laundro- to respond to important to help the people tunate to serve local divers, as mat, and car rental last June 2. “I new challenges around us, even if it is just well as provide services to dive did not see the current circum- serving food. After Super Ty- shops that need to have their stances as a hindrance and we By BEA CABRERA [email protected] phoon Yutu hit, we had a lot of equipment serviced while remain to provide a variety of CORRESPONDENT people stop by to eat and use there are no customers. …We popular products for the public our generator to charge their have continued operations, ex- with friendly service.” It was in mid-March when electronics. We understand cept for a brief one-day pause On July 3, Paire’ Corner, a local businesses started to that this global pandemic has when we understood there gourmet and deli place on revamp hours or temporarily caused quite a big economic were no beaches open to the , will formally open. Op- close in compliance with Gov. downturn, so to help our cus- public,” she added. erations manager and chef Ralph Torres’ executive order tomers we try to provide qual- Many businesses that used Rhea Backe said that they 2020-4 declaring a public ity food at an affordable price,” to cater mainly to tourists will not only be serving deli- health emergency and then Bracken added. like bed-and-breakfast places cious food but also providing the Second Amended Execu- Another restaurant popu- have opened their doors to jobs to the Tinian commu- tive Order 02-04 in the CNMI lar because of its buffet, Sura residents, encouraging them nity. “With this COVID-19 pan- due to COVID-19 concerns. Saipan, did not close and has a to experience “staycations” at demic, students transitioning Businesses that pressed line of bento meals, said gen- rates lower than their usual to college are looking for a on were in the utilities, res- eral manager Michelle Park. rates for tourists. QQ Car Rent- source of income to support KRIZEL TUAZON “Whether it is a super typhoon al, which is known for renting their education. We are grate- taurant, food and grocery The KFC/ Taco Bell along Beach Road has been reconfigured for businesses—all considered the safety of employees and customers. or a pandemic, we are always colorful, convertible Camaros, ful to be the bridge to achieve essentials—and these estab- here to serve our customers. … Jeeps, and trucks to tourists, is their goal, whether for college lishments made the com- choices, prices, and “once one viduals that help one another,” We currently have three bento now offering reduced rental or career.” munity function despite the is ready to order, they can said owner Glen Hunter. menu options and the buffet- rates to residents. Many businesses like Ken- many limitations. place their orders online or Saipan Mango Six Cafe tem- style is suspended for now.” At Everest Kitchen, it tem- tucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell, Three months later and with phone it in,” Tom Yum man- porarily closed for a month in AC Pacific LLC president porarily closed last March TanHoldings, Joeten, Great the low number of COVID-19 ager Natalia Gvan said. order to prevent the spread Alex B.K. Youn, who manages soon after the CNMI reported Harvest Bread Co., Monster cases in the CNMI, the Com- They also now accept dine- of the COVID-19. Owner Sun I Love Saipan stores and Star its first case of COVID-19. The Pizza, Puerto Rico Bento, and monwealth is now on “Level in via reservations. “We want Moon Ahn said that he and his Sands Plaza, said that provid- management had the confi- McDonald’s have remained Blue,” which is just a step away to be accessible to our cus- employees used those times ing for the local community dence to open again after all open, with some of them from the safest level, which is tomers and be of service to researching how to solve the is always an important factor their employees tested nega- making donations to the “Green.” The new level indi- them even in these times. We safety problems of customers in their business portfolio. tive for COVID-19, according community, particularly to cates fewer restrictions but continue to do business and and employees. “Noticing that “…Our business is not mak- to owner Laxmi Shrestha. the COVID-19 front-liners. with health and safety pre- we are here to serve the same the pandemic situation here ing enough sales to meet the “While closed, we received Joe Ayuyu Jr., McDonald’s cautions still in place. That has quality food,” Gvan added. on Saipan has been a little breakeven point, but we have a lot of calls, emails, and mes- area supervisor for Guam allowed some businesses to The Shack Saipan has safer and controlled by the the three stores open because sages from our customers to and CNMI, said that he and adapt and do business in a remained open since the government, we considered we have to keep our employ- open the restaurant. As soon his team are working hard to new, and safe, way. start of the pandemic. The the requests of many of our ees on the payroll and, at the as all our staff were able to get help McDonald’s resume nor- Tom Yum Restaurant restaurant—akin to a high- regular customers to open same time, give service to the the COVID-19 test that gave mal operations. “We are trying launched an online service on land bistro that specializes in and that is why we are ready community,” he said. negative results, we felt con- to do whatever is right for us Facebook that makes it easier French-style crepes and local to serve once again,” he said. Green Flash Dive Inc. a com- fident to open the restaurant and the customers, to [create for customers to order their cuisine—relies on the resilien- Buffet-style restaurantspany that offers hydrotastic without any risk to our staff a] safe and sanitized environ- take-out food. Just look for cy of the CNMI community. went creative and did take- test and scuba diving and and customers,” she said. ment. …The economy needs “Tom Yum Restaurant On-Line “…We have been through so out “bentos” (to-go-meals) swimming lessons, gets many A couple of new businesses to open up because it is going Service” and add it to your much and we need to go back instead. Spicy Thai restau- of its business from local div- opened despite the pandem- to be hard for many people if network. The page informs to our native mindset—one rant manager Jean Bracken ers right now. “…We have al- ic and its many restrictions. we don’t, but we need to get customers of current menu community made up of indi- said that they never closed ways been a business focused Friendly Plaza Supermarket there the right way.”

community based-testing at at the Benjamin T. Manglona JUNE 3 A look back and where are we now the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan Airport and on Tinian at the One tests positive for CO- MARCH 16 CNMI was a 70-year-old man APRIL 18 International Airport. Tinian Health Center. VID-19, identified as a female President Donald Trump de- who was in quarantine at 14 confirmed COVID-19 cases Curfew (from 7pm to 6am) is passenger on the May 28 clares a national emergency, Kanoa Resort. in the CNMI, including nine eased to 10pm to 5am. MAY 20 United Airlines flight from opening access to up to $50 Gov. Ralph DLG Torres orders recoveries and two deaths. CNMI efforts to flatten the Guam that originated from billion in emergency relief a 7pm curfew for everybody. MAY 7 curve remains strong as there the U.S. mainland. CNMI total funds to stop spread of COV- APRIL 22 New COVID-19 case involv- are only 21 cases of COVID-19 now at 23. ID-19 in the Unites States and APRIL 6 More medical supplies arrive ing a 17-year old male, iden- since March. its territories. Beaches and pathways, docks from Long Beach, California. tified as a result of contract JUNE 5 Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and ramps are reopened Medical field hospital at tracing, raising the number MAY 22 Three new cases add to the signs Executive Order 02-04 from 6am to 6pm CHCC is now called “Medical of CNMI cases to 15. One more tests positive in- COVID-19 roster, now up at declaring the CNMI under Care and Treatment Site.” volving a 27-year-old female 26, with eight active cases, 16 State of Significant Emer- APRIL 7 MAY 12 contact of a previously diag- recoveries, and two deaths. gency and a State of Public Second COVID-19 death in APRIL 25 Three new COVID-19 cases in- nosed COVID-19 case in the Health Emergency. the CNMI involved a 77-year- Governor’s COVID-19 Task volving three males—19, 15, CNMI. This raised the CNMI’s JUNE 8 old woman Force and CHCC opens and 27 years old, asymptomatic total to 22. A passenger from the May MARCH 24 schedule to the public to get and contacts of previously di- The U.S. Small Business 28 United Airlines flight from All businesses are to operate APRIL 10 COVID-19 free mass testing. agnosed COVID-19 cases in the Administration approved Guam test positive for CO- or open facilities from 6am to Commonwealth Healthcare CNMI. So far, a total of 19 cases, $34,902.12 loan under Pay- VID-19, raising the CNMI’s 1pm and public to adhere to Corp. starts building field APRIL 29 five active cases, 12 recoveries, check Protection Program COVID-19 cases to 27 social distancing practices. hospital at the upper level CNMI had zero COVID-19 and two deaths. Aid in the CNMI. parking lot of the hospital, to case after last individual who JUNE 9 MARCH 26 be used in case of a spike in tested positive has recovered MAY 14 MAY 24 One passenger at quarantine First batch of 14 inbound the number of COVID-19 pa- and was released from Kanoa Gov. Ralph DLG Torres an- CNMI government offices site tests positive, boosting the passengers underwent 14- tients in the CNMI. Resort. nounces proposed July 15 open to the public and oper- CNMI’s COVID-19 cases to 27 day mandatory quarantine at target to reopen the CNMI to ating under regular hours. Kanoa Resort in . APRIL 14 APRIL 30 tourists JUNE 10 11 COVID-19 cases, with eight Less than three days after the MAY 26 Two more test positive. The MARCH 28 in stable condition, one hospi- start of mass testing, a total MAY 18 CNMI declared under “Level CNMI now has a total of 30 Grocery stores and retail talized at CHC, and two deaths of 224 individuals have al- Two new COVID-19 cases Yellow”—partial restaurant COVID-19 cases. establishments’ operating ready undergone testing in involving two males—22 service open, curfew hours hours revised to 6am to 6pm APRIL 15 the CNMI. and 31 years old—identi- from 11pm to 5am and busi- JUNE 15 and allowed at 50% capacity. 20,000 COVID-19 test kits fied through contract trac- ness hours from 5am to 10pm Community testing leaves its ordered from South Korea MAY 2 ing. CNMI numbers up to 21, original site, the Francisco C. MARCH 30 arrive. United Airlines resumes with seven active cases, 12 MAY 28 Ada/Saipan International Air- Two test positive in the CNMI Guam to Saipan flights. recoveries, and two deaths. 10% of Saipan’s population port, to transition to villages involving a 42-year-old male APRIL 17 has undergone free mass test- to target community mem- and a 49-year-old female. CHCC announces possibility of MAY 4 MAY 19 ing at the Francisco C. Ada/ bers with limited transpor- First COVID19 death in the free mass testing in the CNMI 948 persons have undergone Mass testing starts on Saipan International Airport. See A LOOK on Next Page SAIPAN TRIBUNE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT THURSDATHURSDAY,Y, JULY JULY 2, 2,2020 2020 11 3

It sounds like ‘Green’ repre- normal entails still wearing sents the kind of lifestyle we masks, observing proper hy- had before the pandemic but giene whether at home or I also know that [that isn’t] so. in public, and social distanc- Life at ‘Level Blue’ This huge shift in our lives has ing until we have a vaccine. By BEA CABRERA munity Vulnerability, rang- to  ights, whether return- a ected families, employees, Personally, the new normal [email protected] ing from the highest, which ing residents or tourists. At CORRESPONDENT businesses and children and, requires us not to be compla- is red, to green, which is the this level, the COVID-19 Task while we think we can go cent because even if we have A few days after the World safest, to communicate to Force is expected to ready all back to the way thing used to a few cases here on island Health Organization an- the public the current level mitigation measures in antic- be, will many of us be able to compared to other parts of nounced that the COVID-19 of the CNMI’s vulnerability to ipation of the reinvigoration say that after being terminat- the world, we can’t be blind- outbreak is a pandemic, Gov. COVID-19. of the tourism industry. ed or furloughed or evicted sided and throw away the Ralph DLG Torres declared “The color scheme wasn’t “Of course, I am looking out of your apartment?” said chance that we had it good the CNMI on March 16 under introduced to the commu- forward to moving to Level pilot Rick Markham. here when this pandemic nity until it was announced Green, which is the safest. a State of Signi cant Emer- “I think living the new started,” Markham added. gency and a state of Public we were in ‘Level Yellow’ Health, in order to protect and now ‘Blue.’ The commu- the health and safety of nity vulnerability colors [en- CNMI residents, businesses, able] a regular person like and visitors. me [to] have a clearer pic- Arlene Mafnas of ture where the CNMI is cur- said she found it a scary time rently and is able to respond “because suddenly every- properly,”Mafnas added. thing was uncertain and we “Level Blue” means a partial didn’t know if the virus has resumption of international reached the islands already.  ights, increased building oc- If you are scared, you tend to cupancy to allow establish- follow rules needed to secure ments to open up to 75% of you and your family’s safety their original capacity, curfew so even If I didn’t entirely is now from 12am to at 4am, understand was what going partial restaurant and bar on, I stocked up on food and operations are now permit- medicine and stayed home.” ted at 50% of their originally Since then, the CNMI has permitted occupancy limit, seen many changes—in the and dine-in customers are al- way people shop for food, eat lowed. All these still require out, in being in public, etc., establishments to enforce from restrictions in move- social distancing precautions ment and standard practice, and promote the wearing of to precautionary measures face masks, in accordance such as wearing face masks with Bureau of Environmen- and keeping at least 6 feet tal Health rules. away from other people. Life at “Level Blue” is a be- Then the CNMI government ing looked at as a time to implemented a ve-color- acclimatize the CNMI to coding scheme called Com- the opening up its borders

A L its dashboard of daily counts. o Page JUNE 22 tation and for workers who Gov. Ralph DLG Torres an- cannot leave work. nounced that the CNMI has The CNMI moves to Level enough PPEs on hand to last Blue, which now allows 75% it several months. occupancy, beach group gathering of 15 people, and JUNE 29 curfew is adjusted from COVID-19 cases on Saipan at 12am to 4am. 30, with active cases down to one and two deaths. JUNE 17 “Level Blue” in force. (Bea CHCC removes “recoveries” from Cabrera) 412 THURSDAY, THURSDAY, JULY JULY 2, 20202, 2020 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT SAIPAN TRIBUNE

“The first month was really “We always extend our hectic. There was an overflow service, whether it is pre- Brabu Pharmacy: We can never close of workload as our patients scription or non-prescription tripled and there was a fear medicine. …The tent outside By BEA CABRERA ily closing the pharmacy was [email protected] in the community that all helps us limit the number of Correspondent never an option “as this is pharmacies on island will run people inside the store as we what we have to do,” while out of medicine and insur- continuously monitor the In the face of a raging CO- taking as many precaution- ance companies will run out touch points such as pens, VID-19 pandemic, Brabu ary measures as they can. of coverage. At Brabu, we are counters and door knobs. Pharmacy has remained true Brabu sales representative glad we never experienced We want to make sure that to its commitment to have Robby John A. Taman said those and the companies they are sanitized, keeping the medicine the community that Ted and Kathy Parker that we worked with never them clean and safe so we needs, while staying vigilant were closely monitoring the left their clients hanging. … can continue to provide Bra- about safety and health pro- COVID-19 situation in the We made sure that we have a bu service to all customers,” th tocols. Now on its 11 year of U.S. mainland and the pos- good supply for patients ev- Taman said. service, your Brabu Pharma- sible effects it will have in the ery month,” he added. He said they created the cy team is united more than CNMI. “They already knew In terms of service, Brabu “Express Tent” outside the ever to prioritize patients and that it would reach Saipan Pharmacy has broadened pharmacy so customers can their needs. at some point and we had their efficiency. They deliver call Brabu in advance about “We can never close and safety measures in our stores medicine to homes and busi- the medicine or items they I really give my staff a lot of planned out so we were ex- nesses, created a drive-thru need and a pharmacy staff credit. They knew what they From left, Rafferty Dris, Robby Taman, Ted Parker, Lila Calvo, Erica pecting it and were just wait- option or “Express Tent” for will assist the customer out- were signing up for and the ing for the day when it will Leon Guerrero, Theresa Zheng, and Ruella Ichuio. BEA CABRERA people who don’t want to side and the whole transac- people who have been here come. We had initial mea- go inside the store, especially tion only takes three to five depending on the business that we are going to take reaches the Marianas,” said sures in place before Gov. the elderly, and their other minutes. “This allows us to for a long time. During one of care of all of our patients in pharmacy owner Ted Parker [Ralph DLG] Torres released branches at MH2 Puerto Rico bring the items straight to our pep talks, we all agreed preparation when the virus He said that temporar- the directives,” he said. and Kagman are now open. Continued on Next Page SAIPAN TRIBUNE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT THURSDAY,THURSDAY, JULY JULY 2, 2,2020 2020 13 5

Parker stressed that the at the U.S. mainland. [It is the hospital will be quick to phone number (670) 233- community can never let its not] only the elderly [that] get the vaccination because 2668. Brabu Pharmacy at MH guard down during this pan- are affected but even the it is their job. But as soon that II Branch is open Monday to demic, no matter how many young ones now. We have will be available to outside Friday, from 8am to 12pm, COVID-19 cases are here. “I to stay vigilant and never let places, Brabu Pharmacy will (670) 322-4898, and Brabu see a lot of people becom- our guard down until we get be happy to get it,” he added. Pharmacy Kagman Branch ing cavalier, starting to not through this,” he said. Brabu Pharmacy (next to Ling Lin Market) is do the social distancing and “In the event a vaccine be- is open Monday to Friday open Monday to Friday, from other safety protocols. Look comes available, I imagine from 9am to 6pm, with tele- 8am to 5pm, (670) 256-2668.

Brabu Pharmacy continues to disinfect touch points such as ca- shier areas, pens, and door knobs. BEA CABRERA

Continued from Page 12 health care advice always. One of the reasons why we your car, instead of you hav- made Brabu safe is that many ing to come in to the store,” people right now just stay Taman added. at home but if they know Pharmacy technician Lila that the environment here is Mailman said that going to safe, they will keep coming,” work everyday may entail she added. a little more risk but Brabu Customer service is a huge Pharmacy is making it safe deal at Brabu Pharmacy, ac- for employees and patients. cording to cashier Shianne “It was overwhelming in the Agulto. “I have made a few beginning but it was like af- friends just tending to pa- ter Super Typhoon Yutu. We tients. There are some peo- kept our head down and ple who are open to making continued working. … We friends, [while] some people take it day by day. We do our just come to get what they best and we try not to get what they need. Either way, flustered.” we try to engage so they “We don’t want anyone to will always feel comfortable go without medicine and we whenever they are here,” are available to give good she said. 146 THURSDAY, THURSDAY, JULY JULY 2, 2, 2020 2020 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT SAIPAN TRIBUNE CNMI businesses upbeat about full recovery By BEA CABRERA BEA CABRERA [email protected] Gov. Ralph Torres joins the Mar- CORRESPONDENT ianas Visitors Authority board at a meeting recently at the Gover- Despite the COVID-19 pan- nor’s Office on Capital Hill. demic that continues to rage across much of the globe, the CNMI business community is scene should be a priority…,” slowly picking up the pieces she said. “I know there are and trying to fashion semi- some businesses that are normal operations in the face contemplating whether to of new challenges. The ones open or not and wait for the that didn’t close are holding tourists to come. …There are up and the ones that tempo- still a lot of things to be done rarily closed are opening one and for us to welcome back by one—not only to gener- tourists smoothly and safely, ate income for the CNMI but we have to work with the also to provide food on the governments where we get table for families of workers our tourists from.” and employees. Tourism is the lifeblood of For a place that has seen the CNMI and, with no flights its share of devastating ty- and tourists coming in, the phoons and economic up- government is looking for heavals, the CNMI still finds other ways to sell the Mari- itself in uncharted territory. anas as a tourist destination. “The difference between su- With many people itchy to per typhoons and this pan- travel after quarantine, many demic is, with the former, we tourist destinations will com- already know what is going pete for this market. to happen. Since we expe- At a Marianas Visitors Au- rienced it a couple of times thority board meeting re- in our lifetime, there is some cently that Gov. Ralph DLG kind of certainty. But with the Torres joined briefly, he pandemic, you have different raised the idea of rebranding developments every day and, the CNMI to attract high-end when there is uncertainty, back to their feet and trying With the CNMI’s Commu- to their routine and work- reach ‘Level Green,’ where tourists. “How do we rebrand people tend to become fear- to retrofit the business for nity Vulnerability Level now ing on their loans, whether businesses can be operation- the Marianas? Where do we ful,” said Saipan Chamber of health and safety reasons, at “Blue” (one step away from it is the Paycheck Protection al just like pre-COVID-19. … go from here? Our vision Commerce president Velma the focus this time, Palacios the safest level of “Green), Program or Economic Injury In order to achieve that, I per- moving forward [is to] push Palacios. said, is the safety of both em- Palacios said that most busi- Disaster Loan. sonally think that strength- eco- tourism,” he said. With businesses getting ployees and customers. nesses are still trying to return “I am looking forward to ening the domestic business See CNMI on Next Page SAIPAN TRIBUNE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT THURSDATHURSDAY,Y, JULY JULY 2, 2,2020 2020 15 7

Northern Islands,” he added. ‘We are fighters and that’s the great thing CNMI MVA board director Chris about the community. Everybody still From Page 15 Nelson also raised the sug- gestion of building outdoor comes together, just like any disaster and Toward this end, the CNMI showers at popular beach now a pandemic. I think that’s one of has contracted the help of sites. “That will be a quick win the great things here—we follow the YouTube influencerRobert for us and…we are not talk- guidelines and we take it seriously.’ ing of a lot of money to do Arrington, whose chan- — Saipan Chamber of Commerce nel has 2.31 million fans, that. … I think beach showers to promote Saipan, Tinian, would be good for locals and president Velma Palacios Rota, and the Northern Is- tourists, where fresh water is lands. “He will spend a few available so parents can clean Restaurants are slowly ness community as fighters. months here, promote the up their kids and tourists can opening for take-out and “We are fighters and that’s Marianas and go to every also clean up before they get dine-in services but on lim- the great thing about the tourist site to make sure into their cars,” he said. ited hours like Hyatt, Fiesta community. Everybody still the world will know what Hotel Association of the Resort & Spa Saipan, Aqua comes together, just like any we have here. …This is the Northern Resort Saipan, and the soon- disaster and now a pandem- best opportunity for us to chair Gloria Cavanagh said to-open Ohas Café at Kens- ic. I think that’s one of the attract high-end tourists to the CNMI should make itself ington Hotel Saipan. great things here—we follow appreciate what we have ready as far as making it “the” Palacios is optimistic, the guidelines and we take it here,” Torres said. destination to go, “…pro- describing the CNMI busi- seriously,” she added. MVA director Jerry Tan vided protocols are set” by also pushed the idea of the Commonwealth Health- destination enhancement, care Corp. and the COVID-19 with most of Saipan’s tour- Task Force, which are being ists being repeaters. “Now is worked on by all partners. the best time to take care of “A big challenge, of course, our tourist sites while there is the mandatory quarantine are no tourists around— for both the CNMI as well as clean sites and fix broken the source market,” she added. restrooms and rails on those To date, only three hotels sites. …We should…try fix as are operational on the islands much as we can so when the in terms of accommodations: tourists finally come back, for Pacific Island Club Saipan in San Antonio and Kanoa first-timers that would be a BEA CABRERA great but for a repeater, the “I think that’s one of the great things here [is] we follow the guide- Resort in Susupe are be- enhancements would be a lines and we take it seriously,” said Saipan Chamber of Commerce ing used as quarantine sites pleasant surprise,” he said. president Velma Palacios. while Hyatt Regency Saipan “Again, in going after the in is accepting room high-end market, we have to will attract tourists who are tistics have Europeans and we reservations only for Federal emphasize quality over quan- willing to pay lots of money hope to get that market too. Emergency Management tity. …The opportunity to to go there for an adventure. ...Rebranding will be helpful Agency officers and person- promote the Northern Islands …Palau’s monthly arrivals sta- to the three islands and the nel and several contractors. 816 THURSDAY, THURSDAY, JULY JULY 2, 20202, 2020 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT SAIPAN TRIBUNE