This directive adjusts current University of Guam guidance and reflects changes from the Governor’s Executive Order (EO) 2022-09 and Department of Public Health & Social Services (DPHSS) Guidance Memo 2022-11, Amendment 02, effective for April 19, 2022, 12:01am.

As a reminder, Guam is still under a Public Health Emergency. While the lifting or loosening of many restrictions are being implemented to bring the island back to “normalcy”, everyone is expected to remain prudent and diligent in every activity planned.

NOTE: Per the EO, UOG units are authorized to apply stricter guidance than what is listed below for operations and activities based on their specific situation and venue capacity to remain safe and effective.

This directive addresses the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions as of April 19, 2022:

• Social Distancing for indoors and outdoors is rescinded. UOG adopts this guidance. UOG units are authorized to apply social distancing restrictions for operations or activities based on specific situations and venue capacity for the duration of the public health emergency as noted in the EO.
• COVID-19 numerical restrictions for Congregations and Social Gatherings for both indoor and outdoor activities are rescinded. UOG adopts this guidance. However, UOG units are authorized to apply numerical restrictions for operations or activities based on specific situations and venue capacity as noted in the EO.
• Prohibitions from attending or participating in Congregations and Social Gatherings. Individuals are prohibited from attending or participating in Congregations and Social Gatherings if they test positive for COVID-19 and are infectious, or if they are waiting for COVID-19 test results, showing COVID-19 symptoms, or a close contact with a person who has tested positive for, or who has symptoms of, COVID-19. UOG adopts this guidance to include all UOG areas of operations and
  events. Personnel rules and regulations apply for sick or other leave status. Supervisors have the authority to authorize teleworking on a case by case basis while the pandemic emergency is in effect.
• Mask mandate. Mask wearing requirements for outdoor settings is rescinded and is optional. Mask wearing for indoors settings remain required.
  • Outdoors. UOG adopts this guidance on University property. Individuals may continue to wear masks outdoors if they choose to do so.
  • Indoors. UOG adopts this guidance. When indoors, individuals ages two years and older must wear masks which cover the nose and mouth, except when:
    • Actively eating or drinking.
    • Engaging in physical activities, such as exercise or sports.
    • A mask would create a risk to an individual’s health, safety, or job duty, such as during live singing performances, playing wind instruments, and similar activities.
    • All individuals must wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth when not actively participating in an athletic activity.

  NOTE that by May 3, 2022, should the Governor and DPHSS rescind the mask mandate for indoor settings, UOG will adopt this guidance, subject to further details and guidance from DPHSS. UOG recommends individuals continue to wear masks as they feel appropriate, while under the public health emergency.

• Cleaning, Disinfecting, and hand washing. These protocols of cleaning, disinfecting, and hand washing remain in effect for all UOG operations and activities on or off-campus. All UOG units are responsible to maintain adequate supplies and materials.

• Signage. Protocols for signage throughout facilities and events remain in effect for all UOG operations and activities on or off-campus.

President’s Directive 2022-05 additional directives:

• Food and snacks in UOG operations, classes, events. UOG rescinds the prohibition of food and beverages for consumption in classrooms, labs, or office breakrooms. However, see requirement for mask wearing for indoors activities. Everyone is still encouraged to eat or drink in designated areas, with social distancing, as appropriate.
• Requests for UOG face-to-face activities during COVID-19 is rescinded. UOG units are no longer required to request for the authorization of face-to-face activities for UOG events or activities. Deans and directors are expected to apply the appropriate guidance for all UOG events (on or off-campus) and activities and the use of UOG facilities.
• Vaccinations and Boosters. All employees are still highly encouraged to get vaccinated or boosted for those qualified, especially if at risk.
• Official Travel. The prohibition on official travel remains rescinded. Official travel must consider the enroute requirements, requirements at the destination, and requirements upon return at the time of travel to ensure it is feasible and authorized for the round trip to occur safely and without undue delays.
• Teleworking. All employees are to return to work on campus. However, while under the public health emergency, deans and directors/supervisors are authorized to institute remote work schedules and rotating work schedules on a case-by-case basis, and as appropriate based on their operations. Rotating work schedules do not apply to employees with separate, individual offices unless approved by their supervisor on a case-by-case basis. When the public health emergency is rescinded, this directive is rescinded.

  NOTE: Employees who are authorized to telework or work remotely are required and expected to physically report to duty within two hours of receiving notice from their supervisors.

• When to Quarantine, Isolate, or Get Tested: UOG continues to align with current DPHSS guidance on isolation and quarantine procedures. Employees and students who have been in close contact with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 ARE NOT REQUIRED to quarantine or get tested if they don’t feel sick and have no symptoms.

  UOG employees should follow the University’s adapted Isolation & Quarantine Guidelines flowchart. The UOG flowchart resembles that of DPHSS’ current guidance. Deans and directors have the authority to implement stricter measures based on their specific situations within their areas of operation. Mask wearing, sanitizing, and sign-in/seating charts (for contact tracing) remain in effect.

• Masks: Use of KN95, KF94, N95, or 3-layer surgical masks are recommended for employees and students working and attending classes on campus. Cotton, neoprene, and other fabric-only masks are not recommended, as they may not provide adequate protection against the new COVID-19 variant. KN95 masks are available upon request, while supplies last. (Recommended masks are available for purchase at the Triton Store) View chart of recommended masks.

Contact Information

For more information and to report non-compliance, email covidsafety@triton.uog.edu.