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JIC Release No. 18 - Two Positive Cases for COVID-19

JIC Release No. 18 - Two Positive Cases for COVID-19

JIC Release No. 18 - Two Positive Cases for COVID-19


3/20/2020

Joint Information Center - JIC Release No. 18
March 20, 2020, 7:15 p.m. (ChST)

Two Positive Cases for COVID-19

The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) tested 19 individuals for COVID-19 on Friday, March 20, 2020. Two tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 17 tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.

A total of 100 tests were performed from March 12, 2020 through March 20, 2020 with
conclusive results. To date, a total of 14 cases tested positive and 86 cases tested negative for COVID-19. All 14 confirmed cases remain in isolation.

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. As part of the response, Public Health officials may be calling residents from a local landline or mobile phone number to obtain further information. This is not a scam. DPHSS does not ask for any financial details during the call.

Profiles of Earlier Confirmed Cases

Most of Guam COVID-19 known positive cases have epidemiological links to other confirmed cases. Of the previous 12 confirmed cases, not including confirmed cases from today:

  • Five (5) are of the ages 60 and above;
  • Two (2) are in their 50s;
  • Three (3) are in their 40s;
  • Two (2) are in their 30s;
  • Five (5) of the 12 cases are travel related.

Stop the Spread: Stay Home if Sick, Keep a Minimum of Six Feet Between You and Others

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Stop the spread:

  • Stay home when you are sick. Keep away from others who are sick and limit face-to-face contact with others.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

ADA Assistance Available Through Medical Triage Hotline Number for COVID-19

Testing for COVID-19 is ONLY available for people who meet the testing criteria. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider. If a
patient does not have a regular health care provider, they can call any of the Community Health Centers or the DPHSS Medical Triage Hotline Phone Numbers listed below to report symptoms and obtain guidance from clinicians:

To comply with ADA requirements, DPHSS is providing captions and text messaging. These medical triage hotline numbers are operational daily, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and are limited to medical-related inquiries only.

DPHSS Announces that Shelters Remain Open, Services to Continue

DPHSS announces that the following shelters are open and will continue to provide services to clients:

  • Alee Shelter I
  • Alee Shelter II
  • Sanctuary Inc.
  • Guma San Jose

For more information, contact DPHSS Bureau of Social Services Administration at (671) 475-2653 or (671) 475-2672.

Salvation Army Contact Numbers

The Salvation Army Guam Corps continues to help and serve the community. While the Salvation Army does not currently have a food delivery program, they continue to serve the community. To maximize social distancing, the community is urged to call ahead to make an appointment to prevent people congregating while they wait by contacting the following numbers:

The Lighthouse Recovery Center is not allowing visitors at this time. Outpatient services are on hold until further notice.

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:

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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