Joint News Release
March 4, 2020
5:15 p.m. (ChST)

No Confirmed Cases of COVID-19; Officials Continue to Monitor Events in the Region

The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) continues to work with local and federal partners to address the threat of COVID-19.

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 and no people who meet the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria for a person under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 in Guam. Guam continues assessing the situation as it evolves. With any change in status, anticipate timely notification.

Preventive Measures Continue; Personnel Under Controlled Monitoring as a Precaution

DPHSS and the Government of Guam were informed of a military vessel that had three sick individuals on board. The three individuals were evaluated by Naval Hospital Guam Public Health and did not meet the U.S. CDC criteria for a PUI. The updated "Criteria to Guide Evaluation of PUI for COVID-19" can be found on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-criteria.html

At this time, there are no indications that any U.S. naval personnel have contracted COVID-19. In response to the threat caused by this virus, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet issued guidance to the Fleet that ensures the risk of COVID-19 is mitigated to our forces.

Out of an abundance of caution, the sick crew members will be treated and remain under controlled monitoring until all are cleared by medical personnel of any symptoms of a contagious illness. Mission essential personnel will continue to conduct official business in the vicinity of the ship on Naval Base Guam.

In accordance with U.S. Pacific Fleet directive, all military personnel will continue to be screened daily for symptoms of COVID-19 throughout and following the port visit.

Officials Track PUI in Palau

The Republic of Palau Ministry of Health recently identified its first potential case of COVID-19. This individual remains a PUI until testing is completed.

At the time of transit through Guam, the individual was asymptomatic. Guam officials collaborated with the Republic of Palau Ministry of Health and CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine to conduct a risk assessment on this case. Based on the case investigation, CDC has determined that at this time, an air contact investigation is not required. Guam is ready to take action with CDC if the test results change the risk assessment.

The Guam community is reminded that the individual in Palau has not been confirmed to have COVID-19 at this time. Testing is being done at the Hawaii State Lab.

Pandemic Plan Review Underway

As part of continued multi-agency response efforts, DPHSS continues the DPHSS Guam Pandemic Plan Review working session today and tomorrow at the Pacific Star Resort with all stakeholders. The purpose of the working session is to enhance Guam’s capabilities in response to COVID-19.

Educational Materials Available on DPHSS Website

DPHSS has developed educational print-ready materials for sharing via social media, or download, print, and distribution on the DPHSS website:
http://dphss.guam.gov/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-n-cov/.

Stay Up to Date with Reputable Sources

It is important to note that the situation can change daily. 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 

For more information, contact DPHSS Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., at (671) 735-7154.

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