JIC RELEASE NO. 917 - DPHSS Issues Guidance Memorandum 2021-16 Rev. 1

DPHSS Issues Guidance Memorandum 2021-16 Rev. 1
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) issued DPHSS Guidance Memorandum, 2021-16 Rev. 1, relative to guidance for individuals who are suspected or confirmed for having COVID-19. DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 1 updates the community on the actions to take if an individual is identified for having SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, or if an individual becomes exposed to someone confirmed with COVID-19. This guidance does not apply to individuals who are travelers entering into Guam by air or sea. This guidance is in accordance with the recommendations set forth by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 1 provides guidance for:

• Addressing Sick Individuals

• Testing for COVID-19

• Individuals Identified as Close Contacts

• If you test positive for COVID-19

In addition, DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 1 provides an update on the requirements for the duration of isolation for confirmed positive cases:

• For symptomatic individuals at the time of testing:

  • If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, isolation may be discontinued after: 

    • At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared;

    • At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without using fever-reducing medication; and,

    • Other symptoms have improved.

  • If you are fully vaccinated or boosted, isolation may be discontinued after:

    • At least 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared;

    • At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without using fever-reducing medication; and,

    • Other symptoms have improved.

• For asymptomatic individuals at the time of testing:

  • If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, isolation may be discontinued after:

    • At least 10 days have passed since the day of the positive specimen collection.

      • For healthcare personnel, at least 5 days if a negative COVID-19 viral test is obtained within 24 hours prior to returning to work.

        • Healthcare personnel should continue to wear a well-fitting mask properly around others at home and in public for 5 additional days.

      • If you become symptomatic:

        • If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, isolation may be discontinued after: 

          • At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared;

          • At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without using fever-reducing medication; and,

          • Other symptoms have improved.

        • If you are fully vaccinated or boosted, isolation may be discontinued after:

          • At least 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared;

          • At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without using fever-reducing medication; and,

          • Other symptoms have improved.

  • If you are fully vaccinated or boosted, isolation may be discontinued after:

    • At least 5 days have passed since the day of the positive specimen collection.

      • You should continue to wear a well-fitting mask properly around others at home and in public for 5 additional days.

    • If you become symptomatic:

      • If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, isolation may be discontinued after: 

        • At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared;

        • At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without using fever-reducing medication; and,

        • Other symptoms have improved.

      • If you are fully vaccinated or boosted, isolation may be discontinued after:

        • At least 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared;

        • At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without using fever-reducing medication; and,

        • Other symptoms have improved.

• People who are severely immunocompromised may need to remain in isolation up to 20 days after symptoms first appeared.

• A test-based approach for discontinuing isolation may be considered in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer, Medical Director, or any designated DPHSS medical provider. Close contacts will still be subject to quarantine.

• A DPHSS clearance letter may be provided when a patient is released from isolation.

• If symptoms worsen while in isolation, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately, seek emergency care, and/or call 911.

DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 1 is subject to change without notice. To view DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 1 in its entirety, CLICK HERE.

Click here to view guidance_2021-16 rev1-signed