Joint Information Center – JIC Release No. 13

March 18, 2020, 4:30 p.m. (ChST)

Department of Public Health and Social Services Updates

As of March 18, 2020, there remains a total of five confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Guam.  To date, the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) has conducted a total of 46 tests of COVID-19. The Government of Guam has implemented its planned COVID-19 response to identify and contain transmission on island.

The following DPHSS health-related services are available:

Division of Public Health:

DPHSS Hotline Numbers for Medical-Related Questions
If you feel sick or suspect you are sick with COVID-19, you should seek medical care. If symptoms require immediate medical attention, call ahead to let them know you are coming so they can prepare. If your symptoms are mild and allow you to stay home and self-isolate, but you would still like medical consultation, please call these numbers to speak with a registered nurse:

• (671) 480-7859
• (671) 480-6760/3
• (671) 480-7883

These numbers are operational daily, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and are limited to medical-related inquiries only. A phone number to call for questions on general information about COVID-19 will be available shortly.

Stay Ahead of the Spread; Download and Share Educational Materials on Prevention Tips

Educational resources can be found on the DPHSS website. DPHSS developed specific criteria for elderly individuals, those living with comorbidities, household members of a sick individual, travelers, schools, businesses, pregnant women, and children. Contents are primarily drawn from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These educational print-ready materials are available for sharing, downloading, printing, and distributing: http://dphss.guam.gov/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-n-cov/

Division of Public Welfare:

Annual Public Hearing on Fee Schedules for Child Care and Group Child Care Homes Canceled Until Further Notice
The annual public hearing on fee schedules for application of license or renewal of license of Child Care Facilities and Group Child Care Homes on Guam scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2020 at the Bureau of Social Services Administration (BOSSA) conference room in the Terlaje Building, Hagåtña is cancelled until further notice. For more information, call the Bureau of Social Services Administration of the Division of Public Welfare at (671) 475-2653 or 2672.

Child Welfare Program Direct Services Canceled

The Bureau of Social Services Administration, Division of Public Welfare announce that all direct services and monitoring under the child welfare program are cancelled until further notice. These services include home visits, office visits, supervised visits, home-based services, and transportation services for foster children. For questions, please contact the Bureau of Social Services Administration (BOSSA) of the Division of Public Welfare, at (671) 475-2653 or 2672.

DPHSS Seeks Homes for Foster Children

DPHSS is experiencing a shortage of foster homes and is in need of families willing to care for teens and young children.  We are seeking the community’s assistance in providing homes for foster children who are residing in group homes and others who are in dire need of a loving and stable foster home.  If you know of been anyone who is U.S. Citizen or resident alien residing on Guam, is 18 years or older, and is willing to provide a home for these children, please contact Grace Iwashita at the Bureau of Social Services Administration (BOSSA) of the Division of Public Welfare, at (671) 475-2653 or 2673.

Division of Senior Citizens:

Clients of Senior and Adult Daycare Centers to Get Delivery of Dry Good Meals
DPHSS, along with the Mayors’ Council of Guam, Kloppenburg Ent. Inc., and the General Services Agency, continues to coordinate meal services for clients of the 12 Senior Citizens and three Adult Daycare Centers.  The provision of dry goods (meals) for three days of lunch will be dropped off to clients at their homes.  A family member of the senior also has the option to pick up the meals for their senior at the congregate site by contacting either SCO or ADC.  For more information, please call Senior Center Operations (SCO) at (671) 477-3454 or the Adult Day Care Center (ADC) at (671) 788-7155.

Division of Environmental Health:

Information on Executive Order 2020-04 for Health-Regulated Establishments
DPHSS reminds all health-regulated establishments, such as food facilities, institutional facilities, motels, and temporary workforce housing, that effective immediately, and through March 30, 2020, any place of business or public accommodation for which attendance is anticipated to be fewer than 50 people, shall operate at no greater than 50% occupancy, and no greater than 50% seating capacity.  Businesses are encouraged to implement social distancing by spacing tables, chairs, beds, cots, or any sleeping arrangements no closer than six (6) feet.  Furthermore, DPHSS is encouraging childcare facilities to cease operation and for food facilities to replace dining-in to take-outs. Based on what is currently known about the virus, spread from person-to-person happens most frequently among close contacts (within 6 feet).  How it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread in the United States, please refer to:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html.

Stay Up to Date with Reputable Sources

It is important to note that the situation can change quickly. The community is reminded to only share official notices and visit the following links for the most up-to-date information:

• CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• DPHSS website: http://dphss.guam.gov/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-n-cov/
• GHS/OCD website: https://ghs.guam.gov/coronavirus-covid-19

For media inquiries, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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