DPHSS Issues Guidance Memo 2022-12 Amendment 1

DPHSS Issues Guidance Memo 2022-12 Amendment 1

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) issued DPHSS Guidance Memo 2022-12 Amendment 1, pursuant to Executive Order No. 2022-21, and relative to implementing mask wearing requirements and physical distancing in healthcare settings. DPHSS Guidance Memo 2022-12 Amendment 1 is not intended for non-healthcare settings (e.g., restaurants) and not for persons outside of the healthcare settings, and all other provisions of DPHSS Guidance Memorandum 2022-12 remain in effect.

Effective 12 a.m. August 9, 2022, all healthcare settings shall implement a policy for proper wearing of face masks and, where it will not interfere with the provision of care, physical distancing. Mandates in Guidance Memo 2022-12 Amendment 1 include, but are not limited to:

Universal and Correct Use of Face Masks
- Face masks shall be well-fitting that cover both the nose and mouth at the same time with proper filtration by all HCPs, patients, and visitors to prevent COVID-19 transmission through respiratory droplets.
  - Face masks shall be worn at all times, by all individuals in the healthcare settings, with certain exceptions for specific individuals, settings or activities, such as while eating or drinking.
  - Face masks shall be required in all areas of the healthcare settings, including waiting areas, hallways, elevators, restrooms, lobby, etc.
- Healthcare settings will adopt U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for face coverings for certain populations and situations, including those with certain medical conditions

Physical Distancing
- Regardless of vaccination status, all individuals in a healthcare setting must practice physical distancing of at least 6 feet provided it does not interfere with the provision of care.
- Healthcare settings must arrange seating so that patients and visitors can maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance.

For additional information, contact the Division of Environmental Health at 671-300-9579 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on government recognized holidays, or email, dphss-deh@dphss.guam.gov. To view DPHSS Guidance Memo 2022-12 Amendment 1 in its entirety, CLICK HERE.

Click here to view SIGNED_DPHSS Guidance Memo 2022-12 (Amendment 1) (Final 08.08.22)

X Flooding is a temporary overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. There are many possible causes of floods including heavy rain, coastal storms and storm surge, waterway overflow from being blocked with debris, or overflow of levees, dams, or waste water systems. Flooding can occur slowly over many days or happen very quickly with little or no warning, called flash floods.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/floods

Wildfire

Regularly clean the roof and gutters.
Maintain an area approximately 30’ away from you home that is free of anything that will burn, such as wood piles, dried leaves, newspapers and other brush.
Connect garden hoses long enough to reach any area of the home and fill garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water.
Review your homeowner's insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home's contents.

Fire Weather

Turn on your TV/radio. You’ll get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the route to take and have plan of where you will go. Check-in with your friends and family.
Keep your car fueled, in good condition, and stocked with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.

Drought

Conserve water

Take shorter showers.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
Run the washer less frequently and only when you have a full load.
Water your lawn less frequently and do so when the temperature is cooler in the early morning or late evening.
When you run the tap to heat or cool water, keep a pitcher to store the water and use it to water plants.
Avoid washing your car.

Practice fire prevention

Don't set off fireworks when conditions are dry.
Deposit cigarette butts in the proper receptacle to avoid starting a
Pour water over camp fires and backyard fire pits to ensure they are completely out before leaving them unattended.

Follow directions from local officials. If there are restrictions on water usage, be sure to heed them.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires and https://www.ready.gov/drought

X
Typhoons/Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over the water and move toward land. Threats from typhoons/hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, and rip currents.

“Hurricanes” form in the Atlantic Northeast Pacific region and “Typhoons” form in the Northwest Pacific Region. These large storms are call cyclones in other parts of the world.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.