JIC RELEASE NO. 270 - COVID-19 Case Identified at Tiyan High School;GMHA Modified Visitation

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. 

To date, there have been a total of 558 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 5 deaths, 352 released from isolation, and 201 active cases. Of those cases, 484 are classified as civilians and 59 are military service members. 

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

COVID-19 Case Identified at Tiyan High School
The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) is working closely with the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) to conduct contact tracing after a confirmed COVID-19 case was identified at Tiyan High School. 

On Monday, August 17, 2020, the GDOE was notified that an employee at Tiyan High School tested positive for COVID-19. The contact tracing effort is ongoing and close contacts of the confirmed case will be contacted directly by DPHSS. A close contact is an individual who has come in face-to-face contact with a confirmed COVID-19 individual for at least 10 minutes or more and within six feet, or who has had direct contact with infectious secretions of the confirmed COVID-19 individual (e.g. being coughed on). Both the confirmed case and close contacts will not be permitted to return to campus until cleared by DPHSS. 

Beginning Tuesday, August 18, 2020, portions of the Tiyan High School campus will be closed for cleaning and disinfecting, to include areas of the campus accessed by the confirmed COVID-19 individual. These portions of the campus will be off-limits until cleaning is completed. Remaining portions of the campus will remain accessible by school personnel.

Daily precautions are taken at GDOE school sites to safeguard the health and safety of employees, students, and families. Not only are schools cleaned and sanitized daily, but other safety precautions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to include the following: required face coverings for all students and staff; temperature screening upon arrival; 6 feet physical distancing; regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and common areas; and encouraging employees to wash hands and sanitize often.

GMHA Modified Visitation
The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) has modified policies to allow visiting in certain areas. The following are effective August 16, 2020:

General Visitation Guidelines

• Visitation can only be permitted after a patient's initial admission testing has confirmed their COVID-19 status. This is applicable to all patients, whether or not they display any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.

• Visitation is permitted between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Visitors must be 18 years old and above., unless they are a parent of the patient.

• Visiting is restricted to immediate family members only (i.e. parents, children, and siblings), and is limited to one person at a time.

• All visitors must wear a facemask prior to entry into the facility and for the duration of the visit.

• Visitors are subject to temperature checks and other screening measures in effect.

• Visitors shall proceed directly to the patient's room, and limit unnecessary movement within the facility. There will be no congregating in the patient rooms and waiting/lobby areas.

• Visitors should practice proper hand hygiene and social distancing at all times.

• One (1) authorized visitor/caregiver for minor patients, patients with disabi)ities, or patients who otherwise require a guardian is permitted. Overnight stays will only be permitted for these caregivers if the hospital can accommodate it.

• One (1) authorized visitor/caregiver for patients who are at high risk for falls, suffer from dementia, or other serious ailments is permitted. Overnight stays will only be permitted for these caregivers if the hospital can accommodate it.

• Visitation for end of life patients will be limited to immediate family members only, 18 years old and above. Up to two immediate family members will be allowed bedside at the same time.

• Virtual visits are encouraged and can be arranged with the unit where the patient is located.

• Management reserves the right to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

• ICU/CCU: Visiting hours in the ICU/CCU are from the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Limited to one (l) person at a time.

• Labor & Delivery: Patients may designate one (1) support person during labor and delivery stay. The rotation of support persons is not allowed. In addition to the support person, visitation is permitted as per the General Visiting Guidelines above.

• Obstetrics Ward: Patients may designate one (1) support person during postpartum stay. The rotation of support persons is not allowed. In addition to the support person, visitation is permitted as per the General Visiting Guidelines above.

• Nursery/NICU: Parents of Nursery/NICU patients may contact the unit, via the operator at 647- 2330/2252, to schedule 15-30 minute visitation, or a virtual visit using electronic devices.

COVID-19 Patients & Designated Treatment Areas

Patients who are suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 may not have visitors. There are limited exceptions, which include:

• At the end of life, for religious services.

• Children/Minors, the authorized visitor/caregiver may remain with the child for the duration of the stay and may overnight if the hospital can accommodate it.

Religious Services

• Patients who are not suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 may receive religious services from a clergy of their choice.

• All religious services shall be initiated by the patient or family; approved by the attending physician, in communication with the unit charge nurse and house supervisor; and arrange the date and time for service with the clergy.

• The patient or family will communicate the date and time of service with the unit charge nurse who will then notify the house supervisor and security.

• Clergy members must undergo training by the GMHA before being allowed to visit a patient.

• All religious services are subject to a reasonable time if it can be provided without disruption to care.

Visitors for PUIs and COVID-19 patients must consent to an Acknowledgement of Responsibilities & Waiver of Liability regarding COVID-19 for Non-GMHA Employees/Staff.

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.