Joint Information Center - JIC Release No. 2 March 15, 2020, 1:15 p.m. (ChST)

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

GMHA Visitor Policy Changes Additional measures are being taken at the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) to protect the health and safety of patients, staff and the public. The emergency department is restricted to patients and staff only. If the admitted patient is a minor, person with a disability or otherwise requires a guardian, one visitor/caregiver will be authorized to accompany the patient. In all other patient care areas, one visitor/caregiver per patient is permitted inside the hospital facility. Viewing for the deceased will be limited to one hour.

GMHA has begun temperature screenings of all visitors/caregivers before entering the hospital. Persons who register temperatures of 100o Fahrenheit or higher will not be allowed entrance. The GMHA strongly encourages any person with temperatures of 100o Fahrenheit or higher to contact their private physicians. If a primary caregiver exceeds acceptable temperatures, an alternate caregiver will need to be identified.

Mayors Council Suspends Events in Accordance with COVID-19 Mitigation Strategy With the Governor’s executive order declaring a public health emergency in mind, the Mayors Council of Guam (MCOG) decided, out of an abundance of caution, to suspend all village-sponsored events and activities until further notice. Although there are no confirmed cases on Guam, the global threat remains high; proactive measures can mitigate community transmission. This decision also includes the suspension of requests for tables, chairs, and canopies. Anyone requesting mayor’s verification or documentation from a mayor’s office should call before going into the office to allow for document preparation and to prevent large crowds and long lines.

“We are committed to the health and safety of our villages, especially our seniors. That’s why all the mayors and vice mayors are in agreement to suspend village events across the board until this COVID-19 situation improves,” said Executive Director Angel Sablan. “We know it’s hard and it’s temporary, but we will follow the Governor’s lead in making sure we encourage social distancing and reduce the likelihood of spreading any infection to protect our communities.”

By close of business Wednesday, March 18:

  • Public senior centers will be closed to prevent the congregation of individuals particularly susceptible to complications caused by COVID-19
  • Village gyms will remain operational, but events with more than 100 people will be prohibited

Further guidance on social gatherings will be provided on Monday. These temporary suspensions are in line with Governor Leon Guerrero’s initiative to maintain a safe community, as well as the CDC’s community mitigation strategies, which can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community-mitigation-strategy.pdf

For inquiries related to village events, contact your respective village mayor’s office:

AGANA HEIGHTS Paul M. McDonald, Mayor [email protected]  472-6393/8285/6

AGAT Kevin Susuico, Mayor [email protected] Christopher J. Fejeran, Vice Mayor [email protected]  565-4335  

ASAN-MAINA Frankie A. Salas, Mayor [email protected]  472-6581 • 479-2726

BARRIGADA June U. Blas, Mayor [email protected]  Jessie P. Bautista, Vice Mayor [email protected]  734-3734/36/37 • 734-3859

ORDOT-CHALAN PAGO Jessy C. Gogue, Mayor [email protected]  477-7173 • 477-1333 477-0450 Community Center

DEDEDO Melissa B. Savares, Mayor [email protected]  Frank A. Benavente, Vice Mayor [email protected]  632-5203/5019 • 637-9014 637-5002 (Gym) 637-1129

HAGATNA John A. Cruz, Mayor [email protected]  477-8045 • 472-6379

INARAJAN Doris F. Lujan, Mayor [email protected]  475-2509/10/11

MANGILAO Allan R.G. Ungacta, Mayor [email protected]  Thomas J. Duenas, Vice Mayor [email protected]  734-2163/5731

MERIZO Ernest T. Chargualaf, Mayor [email protected]  828-8312/2941

MONGMONG-TOTO-MAITE Rudy A. Paco, Mayor [email protected]  477-6758/9090 • 479-6800/6801

PITI Jesse L.G. Alig, Mayor [email protected]  472-1232/3

SANTA RITA Dale E. Alvarez, Mayor [email protected]  565-2514/4337 • 565-4302/04

SINAJANA Robert RDC Hofmann, Mayor [email protected]  [email protected]  Rudy Iriarte, Vice Mayor [email protected]  472-6707 • 477-3323

TALOFOFO Vicente S. Taitague, Mayor [email protected]  789-1421/3262 • 789-2010 (Gym)

TAMUNING-TUMON Louise C. Rivera, Mayor [email protected]  Kenneth C. Santos, Vice Mayor [email protected]  646-5211/8646 • 647-9816/9819/20

UMATAC Johnny A. Quinata, Mayor [email protected]  828-8251/52/58

YIGO Rudy M. Matanane, Mayor [email protected]  Anthony P. Sanchez, Vice Mayor [email protected]  653-5248/9446/9119 633-3001/2/3/5 653-3008 (Gym)

YONA 789-4798/1525/6 789-1524 (Gym)

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:

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