JIC RELEASE NO. 306 - Cumulative Results: Fifty-nine Test Positive for COVID-19; Profiles of Confirmed Cases;DPHSS Issues Guidance Memo 2020-37

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 information on COVID-19 cases, visit the COVID-19 Dashboard and Situation Report at http://dphss.guam.gov/covid-19/. The COVID-19 Dashboard is updated on business days.

Cumulative Results
The following breakdown provides cumulative COVID-19 test results reported to the Joint Information Center on Friday, September 4 and reflects results from Thursday, September 3:

 

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

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

Of the 59 newly confirmed cases, 15 cases were identified through contact tracing. 

To date, there have been a total of 1,619 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 14 deaths, 744 not in isolation, and 861 cases in active isolation. Of those cases, 1,386 are classified as civilians and 233 are military service members. 

Profiles of Confirmed Cases

1Hospitalization rate is based on intake numbers reported to the JIC. This number may be subject to change. 

2Some cases that were previously released from isolation have tested positive through follow-up testing

3Some cases traveled to more than one country  

4Includes home/self-quarantine and quarantine in a Government of Guam facility 

 
DPHSS Issues Guidance Memo 2020-37
The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) issued Guidance Memo 2020-37 relative to business and government operations in accordance with Executive Order No. 2020-30 during the current Pandemic Condition of Readiness 1 (PCOR 1), which was declared by Executive Order No. 2020-27.

This memorandum supersedes all previous DPHSS guidance documents that are in effect, in whole or in part, including DPHSS Guidance Memorandum 2020-036, which contradict or conflict with, Executive Order 2020-30 and this document.

 

A. Definitions as used in this memorandum:

1.  “Congregation” shall mean a gathering of more than one person where the 

individuals are not members of an Immediate Family Unit or Single Household Unit.

2.  “Immediate Family Unit” shall mean individuals who are from the same family 

and are related to one another as either parent and child or sibling.

3.  “Single Household Unit” shall mean individuals who may or may not be 

blood-related, but who reside in that same household.

4.  “Critical Government of Guam agencies” shall mean Government of Guam 

agencies and departments or its divisions, bureaus, or sections that provide critical services to the health and safety of the community, including critical supporting functions to such agencies and departments and Authorized Businesses and Services, which includes permitting, title searches, and recordation, licensing, treasury, collections, cashiering, procurement, recruitment, utilities, and air and sea port operations.

5.  “Authorized Businesses and Services” shall mean:

a. Community testing coordinated, performed, led, or otherwise sanctioned by DPHSS;

b. Healthcare Operations (including medical and dental clinics; pharmacies; excluding elective outpatient medical and dental procedures, treatments, and therapies);

c. Authorized Infrastructure;

d. Distance learning services;

e. Authorized Retail Stores;

f. Authorized Food Establishments;

g. Food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and subsistence and commercial fishing (excludes game fishing and charters);

h. Businesses and registered non-profit organizations that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals;

i. Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services;

j. Gas stations;

k. Automobile, motorcycle, and bicycle supply and repair shops;

l. Construction companies;

m.     Hardware stores;

n. Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, builders, contractors, HVAC technicians, landscapers, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and critical operation of residences, critical activities, and critical businesses;

o. Banks, credit unions, and related financial institutions (i.e., establishments providing payroll, accounting, insurance, check-cashing, ATM, and money transfer operations);

p. Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes;

q. Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers;

r. Businesses that primarily supply products needed for people to work from home;

s. Trash and recycling collection, processing, and disposal services;

t. Funeral homes, crematoriums, and cemeteries;

u. Animal shelters;

v. Defense and national security-related operations supporting the U.S. Government or a contractor to the U.S. government;

w.     Businesses that primarily supply other critical businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate;

x. Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences;

y. Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers providing transportation services necessary for critical activities and other purposes;

z. Home-based care for seniors or adults;

aa.   Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, and children;

bb.   Real estate service by appointment only;

cc.   Sale of automobiles and other motorized vehicles by appointment only;

dd.   Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities;

ee.   Vehicle and moped rental businesses;

ff. Building cleaning and maintenance operations (i.e., janitorial services, landscaping services, and pool maintenance);

gg.   Security companies to maintain building access and control and physical security measures;

hh.   Armored cash carriers;

ii. Distributors, wholesalers, and providers to critical businesses;

jj. Drive-through service only by Eating and Drinking Establishments;

kk.   Curbside Pickup only by Eating and Drinking Establishments;

ll. Eating and Drinking Establishment contracted to provide meals to government-operated quarantine and isolation facilities; and

mm.  Business operations of firearms or ammunition products and accessories.

6.  “Healthcare Operations” means:

a.  Hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology 

           companies, other healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, home 

           healthcare services providers, mental health providers, or any related 

           and/or ancillary healthcare services; and

b.  Veterinary care and all healthcare services provided to animals; but

c.  Does not include fitness centers, exercise gyms, and similar facilities; 

           daycare facilities; and therapeutic massage establishments without 

           physician’s order.

7.  “Eating and Drinking Establishments” means businesses, such as restaurants and 

other food facilities, that prepare and serve food.

8.  “Authorized Infrastructure” means businesses including but not limited to:

a.  Airport operations to include all aircraft and passenger activities and support services;

b.  Water, wastewater, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highway  

     operations;

c.  Public transportation;

d.  Solid waste collection and removal;

e.  Internet and telecommunications systems (including the provision of 

     essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, 

     business infrastructure, communications and web-based services); and

f.   Hotels and places of accommodation.

9.  “Authorized Items” means items that are necessary to maintain daily requirements 

for health, safety, and sanitation for residences, such as pharmaceuticals, cleaning and sanitizing products, personal care products, and other non-grocery products.  Other examples include, but not limited to, appliances necessary to cook, heat, freeze, or chill food; fuel for cooking; fans; air conditioners; mattresses; candles; batteries; cookware and utensils; and coolers.

10.  “Authorized Retail Stores” means those retail stores that primarily sell 

Authorized Items.  Determination of commodities available for sale shall be restricted to the authorized operations as stated in the Business License issued by the Department of Revenue and Taxation.

11.  “Face mask” means material that covers the nose and mouth and can be secured  

to the head with ties or straps or wrapped around the lower face.  Face masks with exhalation vent, valve, or any device that allows unfiltered release of exhaled breath are highly discouraged.

12.  “Authorized Food Establishments” means businesses, such as grocery stores; 

certified farmers’ markets; farm and produce stands; supermarkets; food banks; convenience stores; and other establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, livestock and pet food, fresh meats, fish, and poultry.

13.  “Funeral Ceremony” means wakes, visitations, viewings, burial, and/or other 

funeral services.

14.  “Non-Authorized Operations” means businesses, including Non-Authorized 

Retail Stores, and/or activities not listed under Authorized Businesses and Services.

15.  “Non-Authorized Retail Stores” means retail stores that primarily sell 

Non-Essential Items.

16.  “Non-Essential Items” means merchandise and service that include, but are not 

limited to:

a.  Clothing/Shoe stores;

b.  Luxury goods stores;

c.  Furniture stores;

d.  Jewelry stores;

e.  Kiosks;

f.   Novelty shops (theme-oriented type of stores);

g.  Sporting goods stores;

h.  Vape shops

i.   Cigar stores;

j.   Video stores and rentals;

k.  Amusement; and

l.   Any other businesses and services identified as Non-Authorized Retail 

     Stores by DPHSS.

17.  “Primarily” shall mean at least eighty percent (80%) of the merchandise.

18.   “Curbside Pickup” shall mean an operation of an Eating and Drinking 

Establishment that allows customers to receive their food without leaving their vehicle and adheres to the following requirements and restrictions:

a.  Establishment is to prohibit customers from exiting their vehicles, entering 

     the establishment, and ordering at the establishment;

b.  Establishment delivers the purchased food to the customers’ vehicles;

c.  Establishment directs the customers to turn off any mechanical ventilation 

     (i.e., fan and A/C) of the vehicle before delivering the food;

d.  Establishment ensures customers are wearing their face mask; and

e.  Employees of establishments must wash their hands after servicing every 

     customer.

19.  “Drive-through service” shall mean an operation of an Eating and Drinking 

Establishment that allows customers to receive their food without leaving their car and has the following characteristics:

a.  Orders, payments, and delivery of food are conducted on the premises of 

     the establishment;

b.  Customers do not park their vehicle but drive in one direction to give food 

     order, make payments, and receive their food;

c.  Employees do not leave their establishment for any transaction with the 

     customer; and

d.  Establishment possesses the proper license and permits to operate the 

     business.

B.  Authorized Businesses, Services, and Activities.  Unless already authorized for operation under DPHSS Guidance Memorandum 2020-36 or otherwise authorized herein, all authorized businesses, services, and activities are permitted to operate effective at 12:00 PM on Friday, September 04, 2020;

 

1.  Authorized Businesses and Services (as defined above);

2.  Critical Government of Guam agencies, provided such agencies and departments 

     are able to adequately protect their employees and the public through the 

     implementation COVID-19 mitigation measures provided by U.S. CDC and 

     DPHSS Guidance Memo 2020-28.

3.  Running, walking, biking, and other individual recreation and exercise is permitted 

     on public roadways, beaches, and parks;

4.  Distance learning by schools and its supporting activities, which include curbside 

     pick-up, delivery of materials and documents, and teachers utilizing their    

     classrooms to conduct virtual classes (Note: activities that can be conducted 

     off-campus are generally prohibited);

5.  Religious activities provided the following restrictions and requirements are implemented:

a.   Parking lot services by any religious institutions:

i.   All attendees are to remain in their vehicle at all times;

ii.  Distribution of any kind (i.e., the Eucharist, newsletters, donations,

etc.) between the attendees and the religious institution must occur through the window of the vehicle, and is subject to mask-wearing guidelines; and

iii.  Because congregations and gatherings are prohibited, choir or 

band participation in services shall not occur.  This prohibition includes congregations for the purpose of recording musical performances in advance of such services for play during the same.  Individual singers and limited musical accompanists are permitted during religious services provided they are sufficiently distanced. 

b.  Funeral Ceremonies (both religious and non-religious); however, such services are restricted to only immediate family unit or a single household unit, not to exceed ten people (excluding funeral home staff) at any given moment inside a building and at a burial where the ceremony is being held;

c.   Services involving the administration of sacraments are permitted, but limited to no more than 10 people, including the clergy or minister and his/her assistant, if necessary.  Such services need not occur in parking lots, but they should be limited in duration to time necessary to complete. 

6.  Hotels will be allowed to continue limited operations to allow their guests to stay 

     in their facilities, but non-essential/non-critical operations found on its premises, 

     such as bars, ballrooms, fitness centers, and swimming pools are not permitted to 

     operate;

7.  Schools and other entities that typically provide free food services to students or 

     members of the public may continue to do so on the condition that the food is 

     provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and take-away basis 

     only.  Schools and other entities that provide food services under this exemption 

     shall not allow the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other 

     gathering site on their premises; and

 

C.  The number of people in any authorized business or operation shall be limited to 50% of 

      that building’s or business’ occupancy load.

 

D.  All businesses shall follow applicable requirements of DPHSS Guidance Memo 2020-29, 

which does not contradict or conflict with Executive Orders 2020-27, 2020-28, 2020-29, and 2020-30, and this memorandum, for social distancing; cleaning, sanitization, and/or disinfection of surfaces; posting of signs; face masks; and employee health and hygiene.

 

E.  Businesses and Services Not Authorized for On-Site Operations.

1. Government of Guam agencies with customer service functions that are not 

deemed critical to the health and safety of the community; however, employees of such agencies are to continue working from home unless designated by the respective agencies as providing critical services;

2. Non-Authorized Operations;

3. Dine-in services at Eating and Drinking Establishments;

4. Educational institutions, including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and 

universities and those staff not engaged in distance learning or not performing critical functions;

5. Curb-side sale of merchandise that are not Authorized Items;

6. Child care facilities;

7. Professional services not explicitly mentioned as Authorized Businesses and 

Services;

8. Cosmetic establishments, including tattoo shops;

9. Theaters and museums;

10.  Dive Shops;

11.  Tourist attraction sites and venues (including fishing and boat charters);

12.  Bars and taverns;

13.  Gymnasiums and fitness centers;

 

14.  Movie theaters;

15.  Sporting events of all types;

16.  Public swimming pools;

17.  Firing ranges and golf driving ranges;

18.  Therapeutic massage establishments;

19.  Automobile detailing services (i.e., cleaning, tinting, washing, waxing); 

20.  Animal grooming and training facilities;

21.  Travel agencies;

22.  All places of worship, except for parking lot services; and

23.  All government of Guam public parks and beaches, except for individual use for 

 the purpose of exercise, subject to social distancing mandates.

 

F.  Selling of Non-Authorized Items is strictly prohibited.

 

G.  The use of unnecessary, common-use area of offices and businesses, such as lounges and 

break-rooms, are prohibited.

 

H.  Congregation is prohibited at all public and private premises, except as authorized in 

Executive Order No. 2020-19 or this Guidance Memorandum

 

I.   DPHSS shall enforce this memorandum and Executive Orders 2020-27, 2020-28, 

2020-29, and 2020-30 pursuant to relevant provisions of DPHSS Guidance Memorandum 2020-25.

 

For further questions, please contact the Division of Environmental Health at 300-9579 from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, or email, dphss-deh@dphss.guam.gov.

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.

Click Here to View DPHSS Guidance Memo 2020- 037 PCOR 1 Extension 09.04.2020 v1