JIC RELEASE NO. 242 - Cumulative Results: Two Test Positive for COVID-19; Profiles of Confirmed Cases;COVID-19 Community Outreach Testing Postponed; New Food Commodities Distribution Schedule; Guam EPA Urges Caution With Surface Disinfectants

COVID-19 test results are reported from multiple labs at varying times of the day. The Joint Information Center will report cumulative COVID-19 test results once a day, unless unavailable. 

For updated information on COVID-19 cases on Guam, visit the COVID-19 Dashboard and Situation Report at http://dphss.guam.gov/covid-19/.

Cumulative Results
The following breakdown provides cumulative COVID-19 test results for Wednesday, July 29, 2020:

1Beginning March 26, 2020 3Beginning April 15, 2020 5Beginning April 30, 2020

2Beginning March 31, 2020 4Beginning April 23, 2020  

Two cases tested positive at the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS). One case reported travel to the Philippines and was identified in a quarantine facility. One case is currently under investigation.

To date, there have been a total of 351 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 5 deaths, 297 released from isolation, and 49 active cases. Of those cases, 302 are classified as civilians and 49 are military service members. 

Profiles of Confirmed Cases

1Some cases that were previously released from isolation have tested positive through follow-up testing

2Hospitalization rate is based on intake numbers reported by GMH and USNH. This number is subject to change. 

3Some cases traveled to more than one country 

COVID-19 Community Outreach Testing Postponed 
In anticipation of inclement weather, the COVID-19 community outreach testing originally scheduled for Tuesday, July 28 in Talofofo and Thursday, July 30 in Umatac has been postponed. These outreach events will be rescheduled.

The next available community outreach testing will be on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Ordot-Chalan Pago Mayor’s Office (in front of Agueda Johnston Middle School). Testing is free and open to the public while supplies last. No symptoms are needed to qualify for testing. Please bring an ID, if one is available. 

If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please call your health care provider. If a patient does not have a regular health care provider, they can call the Northern Region Community Health Center in Dededo at (671) 635-7525 or the DPHSS Medical Triage Hotline phone numbers listed below to report symptoms and obtain guidance from clinicians, or call 311 and dial option number 1.

• (671) 480-7859

• (671) 480-6760/3

• (671) 480-7883 

• (671) 687-6170 (ADA Dedicated Number)

New Food Commodities Distribution Schedule  
The Guam Department of Education (GDOE), State Agency for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Nutrition Service (FNS), will hold TEFAP food commodities distribution on Thursday, July 30. 

Recipients will receive one (1) bag of TEFAP food commodities and two Farmers to Families food boxes of fresh fruits or vegetables, regardless of household size. Food commodities include items such as fresh apples and oranges, pasta noodles, and canned goods such as spaghetti sauce, black beans, garbanzo beans, peaches, pears, salmon, and tuna. A maximum of three (3) households per vehicle will be permitted to pick up commodities. 

TEFAP distribution will take place on the following dates, times and locations:

• Thursday, July 30, 2020: 

  • Tiyan Upper Baseball Field from 6 a.m. -10 a.m. 

  • Dededo Farmer’s Market from 6 a.m. -10 a.m.   

Commodities will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. Distribution may end early if all available commodities are distributed before 10 a.m. Participants may pick up only one food commodity bag per distribution day. Each site will have a listing of individuals who have picked up multiple commodity bags per distribution day since June 25, 2020, and individuals on this list will not be eligible to receive commodities.  Furthermore, a letter of warning will be issued. 

Participants are asked to adhere the following program guidelines:

• Present and have valid photo identification readily available;

• Provide village of residency; 

• Wear a mask at all times;

• Remain in your vehicle;

• Ensure your trunk is unlocked/open when entering the distribution area; and

• Follow traffic directions and signage.

Practice Caution When Purchasing, Importing, and Using Surface Disinfectants
The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA) reminds the community that anyone intending to import surface disinfectant products and pesticides into Guam must submit a Notice of Arrival (NOA) with the agency, prior to the arrival of shipment. The NOA can be downloaded at epa.guam.gov/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Notice-of-Arrival-of-Pesticides-and-Devices.pdf

Guam EPA collaborates with the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency to safeguard the island from the importation of unregistered surface disinfectants. Disinfectants are antimicrobial chemicals designed to destroy microorganisms on surfaces and are classified as pesticides. Consumers are urged to exercise caution when purchasing and using surface disinfectants. Unregistered surface disinfectants can put consumers at risk, as they may be ineffective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.  Please visit www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2 to view a list of products that have been proven safe and effective for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Both consumers and importers are reminded to carefully examine product labels that are affixed to surface disinfectant products and ensure the label:

• is printed in the English language

• lists an EPA Registration number

• lists an EPA Establishment number

• lists the manufacturer’s name

• offers directions for use

• provides instructions for storage and disposal

Across the nation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is actively enforcing registration requirements under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Guam is subject to FIFRA requirements. Pesticides, including surface disinfectant products sold in Guam and the U.S. must be approved and registered under FIFRA. EPA follows a strict legal, scientific and administrative process to ensure pesticides and surface disinfectant products do not pose an unreasonable risk to human health when used according to label directions. The process is necessary before manufacturers can make claims about a pesticide disinfectant product.

Locally, and in accordance with the Guam Pesticides Act, civil penalties and fines of up to $10,000 per violation may be levied against those who violate the requirements. Those found in violation of FIFRA may also face federal felony charges.

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.