Joint Information Center - JIC Release No. 29
March 24, 2020, 2:45 p.m. (ChST)

Help Stop the Spread of Misinformation; DPHSS Updates on Home-Delivered Meals; GDOE Grab-N-Go School Meals

Stop the Spread Misinformation 

Officials are aware of a video circulating with an individual claiming to be a COVID-19 carrier  and then retracting their statement in a separate voice message. While the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) is unable to confirm or deny whether any specific individual has been tested, or what their test results are, due to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, individuals are asked not to share false information. 

In the event a person tests positive, the DPHSS contact tracing team will interview the patient and identify all those the patient may have come into contact with during the incubation period. Any person who thinks they may have COVID-19 should self-isolate and consult with a health care professional over the phone.

Officials take these matters very seriously and continue to look into each incident, including this one, that references COVID-19. The community is reminded to only share official, verified notices to help stop the spread of misinformation. 

As of March 23, 2020, there were 29 positive cases of COVID-19 on Guam with one (1) COVID-19 related death. There will be additional results later this evening once today’s test results are finalized.  

DPHSS Home-Delivered Meals Resume Normal Operations

Effective, today, the provision of Home-Delivered meals will resume normal operations. All meals will be delivered to the homes of those authorized by Case Management Services to receive home-delivered meals. DPHSS thanks its partners for their assistance in delivering balanced meals to our elderly who are homebound. For additional information, contact S.H. Enterprises, Inc.at (671) 649-9716 or (671) 649-9727 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

GDOE Grab-N-Go School Meals Launched Monday; Walkers Accepted

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) launched a “Grab-N-Go” school meals distribution on Monday, serving 8,000 meals. The program offers meals at no cost to all children ages 18 years and below, including children from both public and private schools. The program utilizes a drive-thru operation, on a first come first served basis, and walkers are also accepted. The school meal distribution will remain operational through the remainder of the government-wide school closure due to COVID-19. The program is available on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., except on holidays and during spring break (April 6-10, 2020). The program is available at the following 11 locations: 

North:

• Astumbo Elementary School 
• F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School
• Wettengel Elementary School

Central:

• Agana Heights Elementary School
• B.P. Carbullido Elementary School
• George Washington High School
• John F. Kennedy High School
• Jose Rios Middle School

South:

• Inarajan Elementary School
• M.U. Lujan Elementary School
• Southern High School

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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