JIC RELEASE NO. 152 - Modified Visitation at GMHA; Updated Interim Food Safety Health Certificate Training Course Testing Schedule

COVID-19 test results are reported from multiple labs at varying times of the day. Cumulative test results will be provided later today once all tests from today are finalized. 

To date, there have been 172 cases confirmed through COVID-19 testing provided with 5 deaths, 144 released from isolation, and 23 active cases. As this is an evolving situation, information is subject to change with little to no notice. For updated information on COVID-19 cases on Guam, visit the COVID-19 Dashboard and Situation Report at http://dphss.guam.gov/covid-19/. 

Modified Visitation at GMHA
Effective Monday, June 1, 2020, Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) will be implementing the following visitation guidelines:

• Visitation will be permitted from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Only one (1) visitor/caregiver will be allowed into the facility at a time.

• One (1) authorized visitor/caregiver for minor patients, patients with disabilities, or patients who otherwise require a guardian, will be permitted inside the hospital facility. Overnight stays will only be permitted for these caregivers. 

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

• Visitation for dying patients will be limited to immediate family members only in order to continue social distancing practices. 

• The use of facemasks and social distancing is required at all times.

• There will be no congregating in the patient rooms and waiting/lobby areas. 

GMHA will continue to assess these measures on an ongoing basis and reserves the right to make exceptions at management’s discretion. 

Updated Interim Food Safety Health Certificate Training Course Testing Schedule
Testing for individuals who currently possess an “Interim Health Certificate” and were scheduled to attend the 9:30 a.m. “Interim Food Safety Health Certificate Training Course” on March 17, 2020 through April 17, 2020 has been rescheduled. 

Only the test will be administered; the training course will not be provided. The study manual, which was previously issued, and the course presentation are available online on the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) website: http://dphss.guam.gov/deh-studymanual/. 

Below is the rescheduled date for testing:

The tests will be held at the Guam Environmental Public Health Laboratory (aka Mosquito Lab) in Dededo, next to the Northern Public Health Center.

Only scheduled applicants will be allowed to enter the facility and they must bring their own pencil. 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 300-9579 at least 2 days prior to their scheduled date. Applicants are also encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather as half the testing area will be in the parking lot of the Guam Environmental Public Health Laboratory.

For inquiries on COVID-19, contact 311 through a local number, or call the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.