JIC RELEASE NO. 191 - First Batch of PUA Benefits Released; Food Commodities Distribution Resumes Thursday; Expanded COVID-19 Testing Continues

COVID-19 test results are reported from multiple labs at varying times of the day. The cumulative total from all labs will be reported on a nightly basis, unless unavailable. 

To date, there have been a total of 222 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 5 deaths, 173 released from isolation, and 44 active cases. Of those cases, 180 are classified as civilians, and 42 are military service members—35 of which have been recently identified among a unit deployed to Andersen Air Force Base (AFB). 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/. 

First Batch of PUA Benefits Released
The Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) has announced that the first batch of payments for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims have been processed. The total amounts to $35 million for claims that were filed between May 30 – June 1. Claimants can expect their payments by direct deposit or mail.

Electronic transfers and paper checks will be issued to error-free claims on a first in, first out basis. GDOL has advised those who have issues with their claims to email pua.hotline@dol.guam.gov. If claimants have already emailed, the PUA team will respond as soon as they can. The department has noted there is currently a high volume of inquiries at this time.

Food Commodities Distribution Resumes, Income Eligibility Expanded 
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), is issuing TEFAP food commodities to the community beginning Thursday, June 25, 2020 and every other Thursday thereafter. This will allow for time to restock and replenish food commodity supplies.

The GDOE State Agency is committed to ensuring the overall availability and effectiveness of program services for the homeless and socially/economically challenged individuals and/or families on Guam. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the GDOE State Agency has elected to use the 400% percentile of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), making most families on Guam eligible to receive TEFAP food commodities through December 2020.

The GDOE State Agency continues to work in partnership with agencies and organizations to include Pacific Unlimited Inc., Matson Guam, Department of Public Works, Guam Police Department, Guam Airport Police, Guam National Guard, the Mayor’s Council of Guam, and the Office of the Governor of Guam.

Households with monthly incomes at or below the levels listed below are eligible to participate in the TEFAP food commodity distribution program: 

Recipients will receive one (1) bag of TEFAP food commodities and one Farmers to Families food box of fresh fruits or vegetables, regardless of household size. Food commodities include items such as fresh apples and oranges, beans, rice, canned fruits, sauces, tuna, salmon, pork, beef, and chicken. 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, June 25, 2020: 
  • Tiyan Upper Baseball Field from 6 a.m. -10 a.m. 
  • Dededo Farmer’s Market from 6 a.m. -10 a.m.   
• Thursday, July 9, 2020: 
  • Tiyan Upper Baseball Field from 6 a.m. -10 a.m.   
  • Dededo Farmer’s Market from 6 a.m. -10 a.m.  
• Thursday, July 23, 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 are asked to follow the following program guidelines:

• Present valid photo identification;
• 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.

Expanded COVID-19 Testing Continues
DPHSS, in collaboration with the Government of Guam, the Mayors Council of Guam, private, and federal agencies, continues expanded COVID-19 testing. 

Testing is free and open to the public while supplies last. No symptoms are needed to qualify for testing. If your village is not listed, please proceed to a neighboring village for testing. Please bring an I.D., if one is available. The expanded testing schedule is as follows:

COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing:

• Tuesday, June 23, 2020, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the GPD Police Koban Parking Lot (next to Barrigada Community Center)
• Wednesday, June 24, 2020, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Agana Heights Mayor’s Office 
• Thursday, June 25, 2020, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the parking lot between the St. Francis Church and the St. Francis School

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 any of the Community Health Centers 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)

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