Joint Information Center - JIC Release No. 17
March 20, 2020, 1:30 p.m. (ChST)

Information Regarding GMHA Patient; DPHSS Seeks Homes for Foster Children

To date, a total of 12 cases tested positive for COVID-19 on Guam. The Government of Guam (GovGuam) is aggressively implementing its planned COVID-19 response to identify and contain transmission of COVID-19 in Guam. With any change in status, anticipate timely notification. 

COVID-19 Response Continues

As part of the GovGuam’s coordinated COVID-19 response, the DPHSS continues contact tracing for the twelve positive COVID-19 cases identified this week. The contact tracing investigation includes identifying close contacts of the individuals. Close contacts may include family members and co-workers who will be quarantined and actively monitored by DPHSS for 14 days after their last contact with the case.

Additionally, GovGuam has instituted COVID-19 Mandatory Quarantine Protocol (MQP) measures for all incoming travelers. Any and all travelers arriving without these credentials will be subject to mandatory quarantine.

Addressing Information Regarding GMHA Patient

The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) issued a circular to all GMHA employees and medical staff members informing them of a recent update on a COVID-19-positive patient. The circular addresses a recent incident that occurred on the third floor, Medical-Surgical Inpatient Adult Unit, wherein the patient was placed in a private room with a closed door.

It was only when a radiological procedure was completed a few days later that a physician determined the individual may have the COVID-19 virus infection. As soon as GMHA received the information, all appropriate isolation measures were instituted. Although it is the standard protocol for GMHA to place patients suspected of COVID-19 in an isolation room, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that if an isolation room is not available, a known COVID-19 patient can be placed in a private room with a closed door.

DPHSS Seeks Homes for Foster Children

A viral message has circulated, claiming that a shelter was being shut down due to a government lock down. While there is no validity to a government lock down nor a shelter closing, DPHSS is 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 anyone who is a 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.

Salvation Army Programs Open

The Salvation Army Guam programs including the Lighthouse Recovery Center (LRC), Family Services Center, Client Child Food Pantry, and Administration are all open and taking appointments for assistance in Tiyan. The Salvation Army also continues services in terms of picking up and distributing prepared food and delivering to senior’s homes. 

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.

-###-

Download a PDF of this article