Joint News Release
March 5, 2020
5:35 p.m. (ChST)

Officials Track Events in the Region; United Airlines Guam Marathon Rescheduled

The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) continues to work with local and federal partners to address the threat of the virus that causes COVID-19. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guam.

As of March 5, 2020, testing for the novel coronavirus is not available at the DPHSS Guam Public Health Laboratory (GPHL). DPHSS anticipates performing testing locally by the end of the month.

Until testing at the GPHL is available, test specimens of any Person Under Investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 will be sent to the Hawaii State Laboratory Division (HSLD). Therefore, DPHSS will follow all guidelines and criteria for COVID-19 testing set by HSLD. A physicians’ alert is being sent to providers with details for accessing testing.

Guam continues to assess the situation as it evolves. With any change in status, anticipate timely notification.

Officials Track PUI Reports in the Region

Guam officials are monitoring a report of a newly identified PUI in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). RMI Ministry of Health and Human Services confirmed the PUI is isolated in a hospital in Majuro after recent travel to Washington State.

Officials are also monitoring events in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (CNMI). Although the person did not meet the full case definition of a PUI, a sample was sent for testing.

The Guam community is reminded that the PUIs in Palau, RMI, and CNMI have not been confirmed to have COVID-19 at this time.

United Airlines Guam Marathon Rescheduled

After consulting with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors, the organizers of the 2020 United Airlines Guam Marathon (UGM) have made the decision to postpone the event to September 13, 2020.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) has also postponed upcoming signature events and suspended sponsorship for events, such as UGM.

“The health and safety of our residents and visitors remains our top priority,” said GVB President and CEO Pilar Laguaña. “We have suspended event sponsorship support and postponed our signature events until the global climate of COVID-19 improves. We will continue to work closely with our partners and look forward to supporting these events at a better time.”

Other affected events include:
Guam Swimming Federation Micronesian Swimming Championships
40th APL Smokin’ Wheels
Guam Ko’ko’ Kids Fest (postponed until further notice)
Guam Micronesia Island Fair (postponed until further notice)
Travel Talks Digital Global Summit (postponed until further notice)

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

• Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center: https://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/program-and-policy-support/Pages/Novel-Coronavirus.aspx

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

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