JIC RELEASE NO. 210 - Updated Reporting Procedures for Results; End of Day Results: Four Test Positive for COVID-19 by DPHSS, Eight Confirmed Cases Reported Earlier Today; DPHSS Issues Guidance on Updated Quarantine Protocols...

Updated Reporting Procedures for Results

In an effort to align reports, beginning Thursday, July 2, 2020, the Joint Information Center (JIC) will report cumulative COVID-19 test results that are officially reported to the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) as well as lab results from the DPHSS Guam Public Health Laboratory (GHPL) once a day, unless a need for additional updates is warranted.

Cumulative results will now be reported in the afternoon, following the DPHSS Situation Report updates as well as the official reporting of results to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

End of Day Results

COVID-19 test results are reported from multiple labs at varying times of the day. The following breakdown provides cumulative COVID-19 test results for Wednesday, July 1, 2020.

DPHSS tested 369 individuals for COVID-19 on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 with conclusive results. Four tested positive through DPHSS and 365 tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Results include 313 samples from COVID-19 drive-through testing held at the Mangilao Senior Center/Mangilao Night Market on Tuesday.

The following eight cases were confirmed and reported earlier today: two cases tested positive at Diagnostic Laboratory Services (DLS), five cases tested positive from the Department of Defense (DoD), and one case tested positive at the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA). 

To date, there have been a total of 271 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 5 deaths, 179 released from isolation, and 87 active cases. Of those cases, 225 are classified as civilians and 46 are military service members. 

1Beginning March 26, 2020 4Beginning April 23, 2020

2Beginning March 31, 2020 5Beginning April 30, 2020

3Beginning April 15, 2020

DPHSS Issues Guidance on Updated Quarantine Protocols

DPHSS has issued Guidance Memo 2020-11 Revision 3 relative to the new protocol for the quarantine of travelers into Guam, effective Wednesday, July 1, 2020. All persons entering Guam by air or sea from “high risk areas” will be subject to quarantine locations for a period of 14 days. High Risk areas will be determined by a calculated COVID-19 Area Risk (CAR) score, which primarily assesses an area’s recently calculated Case Doubling Time and Test Positivity Rate. Residency status will not determine the level of quarantine or testing required. 

The updated quarantine protocol also lists requirements specific to the following categories: crew members, essential healthcare professionals, essential workers as defined in DPHSS Guidance Memo 2020-11 Revision 3, persons who traveled to Guam because of an emergency or personal hardship situation, and active duty military and dependents, DoD civilians and dependents, and DoD contractors. 

For more information, visit http://dphss.guam.gov/covid-19-dphss-mandatory-quarantine-procedures/. 

Health Certificate Renewal Applications
The DPHSS Division of Environmental Health’s Processing Center Section (PCS) has begun its Phase II operations by accepting Health Certificate renewal applications on a limited basis. PCS will be operating at its temporary site located in the Guam Environmental Public Health Laboratory (Mosquito Lab), Dededo. The hours of operation are 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. 

Phase II will expand PCS operations by accepting Health Certificate renewal applications for health-regulated establishments approved to operate during Pandemic Condition of Readiness 2 (PCOR2). These establishments are food facilities, dry-cleaners and Laundromat establishments, cosmetic establishments, therapeutic massage establishments, and institutional establishments (childcare centers, adult care, etc.). PCS will also continue to accept new Health Certificate applications, which was the focus during Phase I. 

All Health Certificate applications and instructions are available online at http://dphss.guam.gov/division-of-environmental-health/. Applicants are encouraged to download and complete their application before arriving to PCS.

The renewal fee is still $25.00 for food-handlers ($10 for the Health Certificate and $15 for the test) and $10.00 for others, and applicants are encouraged to bring the exact amount if payment is by cash. Currently only cash and check are accepted, credit card payment is not possible at this time.

Food Safety Health Certificate Training Courses will also resume, and all new and renewal applicants must attend a food safety presentation and pass a test to receive their annual Health Certificate. Applicants attending the food safety training course must bring their photo ID and a pen/pencil. The study manual for the food safety training course can be downloaded online at the following website: http://dphss.guam.gov/deh-studymanual/.   

As a reminder, PCS is still operating at a limited capacity due to social distancing mandates. Only applicants scheduled to attend the training course or applying/renewing their Health Certificate will be allowed on the premises. Family, friends, or children accompanying the applicant will not be allowed to enter. Applicants who are feeling ill or experiencing any COVID-19 like symptoms are not to enter the premises. Wearing of face masks will be mandatory and social distancing will be implemented. Applicants needing special accommodations must call (671) 300-9579 at least 2 days prior to their scheduled date. Applicants are also encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather as the waiting area will be in the parking lot of Guam Environmental Public Health Laboratory under canopies.

Should you have any questions, please contact DEH at (671) 300-9579 or email dphss-deh@dphss.guam.gov.

For the latest information on COVID-19, visit dphss.guam.gov or guamrecovery.com. For inquiries on COVID-19, contact 311 through a local number, or call the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.

DPHSS GUIDANCE MEMO 2020-11 REV3 (07-01-20)