JIC RELEASE NO. 763 - Governor Leon Guerrero Signs Executive Order No. 2021-20; DPHSS Issues Guidance Memo 2021-20; Update: GDOE Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

On Monday, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed Executive Order No. 2021-20, relative to refining establishments vaccination requirements and extending the public health emergency, and orders such that:

• EFFECTIVE AUGUST 31, 2021: the public health emergency is now scheduled to expire on September 29. 2021.

• EFFECTIVE 8:00 A.M., AUGUST 24, 2021:

  • All restaurants, bars, clubs, gyms, fitness centers, dance studios, movie theaters, food courts at shopping establishments, bowling alleys, sporting events, concerts, boat cruises, and other establishments and events that may be identified in applicable DPHSS guidance, must require patrons to show proof that they are vaccinated to enter and/or use their facilities or premises.

  • Social gatherings or congregations shall be limited to no more than one hundred (100) vaccinated persons, unless otherwise provided herein or in applicable DPHSS guidance. Unvaccinated persons, twelve (12) years plus one (1) month of age, may not participate in social gatherings with individuals who are not members of their household.

  • Establishments, activities, and organizers of organized contact sports may accept self-attestation that the individual has received at least one shot of a recommended series of vaccination, as proof of having been vaccinated.

• EFFECTIVE 8:00 A.M., SEPTEMBER 6, 2021:

  • Enforcement for patrons of establishments and participants in contact sports shall commence

• EFFECTIVE 8:00 A.M., SEPTEMBER 27, 2021:

  • Staff of establishments, activities and organizers of organized contact sports listed in Executive Order 2021-20 and applicable DPHSS guidance memoranda, must show proof of vaccination.

“Vaccinated” means having received the first shot of a recommended series of vaccination with a vaccine authorized to prevent COVID-19 by the United States Food and Drug Administration, including by way of an emergency use authorization, or by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The island remains in Pandemic Condition of Readiness 3. To read Executive Order No. 2021-20 in its entirety, CLICK HERE.

DPHSS Issues Guidance Memo 2021-20

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) issued DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-20, relative to refining establishments vaccination requirements in accordance with Governor’s Executive Order No. 2021-20.

DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-20 supersedes all previous DPHSS guidance documents that are in effect, in whole or in part, including DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-18 and 2021-19, which contradict or conflict with Executive Order 2021-20 and DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-20. Enforcement of provisions set forth in accordance with Executive Order No. 2021-20 will begin on September 6. 

DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-20 orders such that the following covered establishments shall require individuals, including staff, patrons, participants, and coaches who are all twelve (12) years plus 1 month of age and older to show proof that they are vaccinated to enter their facilities or premises:

• Boat cruises;

• Bowling alleys;

• Concerts and similar events;

• Eating and Drinking Establishments with in-person, indoor/outdoor dining, except those in K-12 school building facilities, but excludes mobile food service establishments, provided, no seating is provided and not part of an organized event;

• Food courts at Shopping Centers or Malls;

• Gymnasiums, fitness centers, and dance studios;

• Movie theaters;

• Organized contact sports for training and competition, except school-sanctioned events;

• Swimming pools;

• Theaters and museums; and

• Other Covered Establishments determined by DPHSS

Individuals who do not provide proof of vaccination as required by DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-20 may not use indoor or outdoor portions of such facilities, except to order, pick up, or pay for food or drink for take-out orders, provided a face mask is worn properly.

In the event a staff of a covered establishment declines to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or provide proof of such vaccination, they will be required to undergo a COVID-19 test once weekly.  The covered establishment must maintain records of test results for 60 days.

Self-attestation that an individual has received at least one shot of a recommended series of vaccination authorized to prevent COVID-19 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including by way of an emergency use authorization, or by the World Health Organization (WHO) is an acceptable form of proof of vaccination. Attestation may be acknowledged in a sign-in sheet, contact log, or other forms of written documentation by the covered establishment.

DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-20 provides additional requirements and guidance for non-contact sports, congregating, social gatherings, signage for patrons and staff at covered establishments, acceptable proof of vaccination, and individuals seeking religious or medical exemptions.

To view DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-20 in its entirety, CLICK HERE. For further information, contact the DPHSS Division of Environmental Health at 300-9579 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or email, dphss-deh@dphss.guam.gov.

Update: GDOE Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

In addition to the eight Guam Department of Education (GDOE) students who tested positive for COVID-19 reported yesterday, an employee assigned to Captain H. B. Price Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19. Cleaning and disinfecting of areas of the campuses were completed to ensure schools are ready for regular hours of operation on Tuesday, August 24.
 

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.