JIC RELEASE NO. 263 - Cumulative Results: Twenty-Eight Test Positive for COVID-19; Profiles of Confirmed Cases; Guidance for those with Possible Contact to a Confirmed Case; Guidance for those Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms

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. 

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

Cumulative Results
The following breakdown provides cumulative COVID-19 test results for Thursday, August 13, 2020:

1Beginning March 26, 2020 3Beginning April 15, 2020 5Beginning April 30, 2020

2Beginning March 31, 2020 4Beginning April 23, 2020 6Beginning August 10, 2020

A total of 28 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed today. Of the 28 newly confirmed cases, 11 cases were identified through contact tracing and four cases reported recent travel from the continental US and were identified in a quarantine facility.

To date, there have been a total of 477 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 5 deaths, 343 released from isolation, and 129 active cases. Of those cases, 426 are classified as civilians and 51 are military service members. 

Profiles of Confirmed Cases

1Some cases that were previously released from isolation have tested positive through follow-up testing

2Hospitalization rate is based on intake numbers reported by GMH and USNH. This number may be subject to change. 

3Some cases traveled to more than one country  

Guidance for those with Possible Contact to a Confirmed Case

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) continues contact tracing efforts for all confirmed cases. Those who were in contact with a confirmed case and who have not yet been contacted by DPHSS are advised to follow procedures as listed below:

In accordance with DPHSS Guidance Memo 2020-02, employers are instructed that if an employee has possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection –

• Any employee with cough, fever, or shortness of breath should not come to work. If symptoms occur while at work, the employee should be immediately isolated and sent home.
• Employees may return to work when they meet BOTH of the following criteria.
  • At least three (3) days after resolution of fever (without utilization of fever reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) AND improvement in respiratory symptoms; AND
  • At least seven (7) days have passed since symptoms started.
• Employees who are household contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case and do not become ill must stay home and self-isolate for seven (7) days after isolation has been discontinued for the ill household member.
• With the exception of employees working in healthcare operations or facilities and other essential employees, employees who have had close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in a non-household setting must stay at home and self-isolate for fourteen (14) days after their last contact with the case even if they do not develop symptoms. Close contact is defined as:
  • Being within approximately six (6) feet of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time (more than ten minutes)
  • Having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on)
• Employees who were in the same indoor environment with a COVID-19 case, but not meeting the criteria for a close contact (i.e., being in the same room but more than six (6) feet away from the case) should self-monitor for symptoms for fourteen (14) days after their last contact with the case and isolate if symptoms develop.
• Employees who have had contact with someone who has been exposed to a COVID-19 case or possible case are not directed to isolate unless that person develops symptoms or is diagnosed with COVID-19.

Employers are instructed that employees with mild illness due to suspected COVID-19 infection should not be allowed to report to work. Employers should not require proof of COVID-19 testing either to qualify for sick leave or to return to work.

Guidance for those Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms
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. Please bring an ID, if one is available. The community testing schedule is as follows:

COVID-19 Drive-Through and Walk-In Testing:

• Thursday, Aug. 20, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Guma Trankilidat in Tumon
  • Note: this event is limited to Guma Trankilidat Residents
• Saturday, Aug. 22, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the St. Francis Church and School Parking Lot, along Route 4 in Yona
• Saturday, Sept. 5, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Talofofo Gym in Talofofo
• Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Umatac Mayor’s Office, along Route 2 in Umatac

Those who are unable to go to the community-wide testing and are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, are advised to call their health care provider. If a patient does not have a regular health care provider, they can call the Northern Region Community Health Center (NRCHC) at (671) 635-7525/6 to schedule an appointment. The NRCHC COVID-19 testing is available by appointment only.  

Those experiencing symptoms can also call 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)

The Joint Information Center is aware of caller reports that the medical triage hotline numbers have alerts that the voicemail box is full. Although the voicemail is full for the phone lines, the lines remain operational. The medical triage hotline team logs all missed calls, and callers who are not immediately serviced can expect a return call from a medical triage nurse. 

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.

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