Three additional Department of Youth Affairs officers have tested positive for COVID-19.

One of the officers called in sick and has been on leave status while the other two officers were identified through contact tracing. The three officers are on home isolation, bringing a total of four DYA employees that have tested positive for the virus. DYA Deputy Director Krisinda Aguon said the department is taking additional steps in maintaining the safety of both their residents and employees.

“We've been assisted by for example the Guam Fire Department with the disinfecting of our units. These are collaborated efforts that will hopefully assist us in the fight against COVID-19 here at the Department of Youth Affairs,” she said.

To minimize the number of youth incarcerated at the facility, Aguon said they have taken alternatives to placement when it comes to low-level offenders.

Through collaborative efforts with the Juvenile Probation Office, Child Protective Services, and other agencies we have resulted to youths being returned to their families or placed in alternative settings such as Sanctuary.

DYA currently has a population of 18 youths incarcerated at the facility. Aguon said that for the most part, due to the low count, they have approximately two residents per cell but many of them have one per cell. In addition, she said DYA does have a quarantine unit that is used for new admissions and have identified additional sites in the event there is a need for a total quarantine. She adds that if a resident does exhibit symptoms of the virus, they will seek medical assistance at the Guam Memorial Hospital.

They will be escorted with an officer and the parents will be contacted and in more cases than one they do end up meeting DYA personnel along with the client at the hospital.

Parents of residents can contact 735-5033/5 to speak to a DYA social worker for further information.