Travel restrictions and a ban on foreign citizens who have been in China in the last two weeks will apply to Guam, according to Adelup Press Secretary Krystal Paco-San Agustin. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation suspending the entry of foreign nationals who have traveled in China in the last two weeks.
Foreign nationals who are the immediate family of US citizens or permanent residents are exempt the temporary ban.
Health and Human Services Director Alex Azar signed a public health emergency declaration that goes into effect at 5 p.m. ET Sunday - Monday Guam time.
US citizens returning to the United States who have been in China's Hubei province in the two weeks before their return will be subject to up to 14 days of mandatory quarantine.
US citizens returning from the rest of mainland China in the two weeks prior will face a health screening at a select number of ports of entry. Those citizens also face up to two weeks of monitored self-quarantine to ensure they pose no health risk.
Legislative Health chair Senator Therese Terlaje tells KUAM. “We are concerned about economic impacts to Guam but I am thankful that safety concerns are being prioritized.”
Paco said Centers for Disease Control partners confirmed the proclamation and emergency declaration apply to Guam.
The Governor on Friday briefed senators on the status of GovGuam efforts to prepare for the potential arrival of the coronavirus.
After the briefing, Vice Speaker Telena Nelson reversed her initial call seeking to suspend flights from affected countries, including top tourist markets such as Japan and Korea.