JIC Release NO. 742 - DPHSS Issues Guidance Memo 2021-09 Revision 2; DPHSS and GDOE Launch SNAP P-EBT; Avoid Sharing Unofficial or Unverified Information

DPHSS Issues Guidance Memo 2021-09 Revision 2 

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) issued DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-09 Revision 2, relative to additional guidance pursuant to Governor Leon Guerrero’s Executive Order 2021-16, relative to providing clarification for schools adopting the three (3) feet physical distancing for in-class operations for K-12 schools (Schools).  In addition, layered mitigation strategies to help prevent and control COVID-19 transmission in schools will be outlined in this Guidance. 

All in-class school operation plans must be emailed to the Division of Environmental Health (DEH) at dphss-deh@dphss.guam.gov. The submitted plans must indicate if the School is unable to meet the specific provisions in the guidance. The Schools must address these challenges by incorporating additional layered mitigation strategies that will meet the intent of this guidance to prevent transmission of COVID-19.  The plans are subject to review and approval by DEH.

In addition to providing further clarification for schools, DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-09 Revision 2 mandates layered mitigation strategies to help prevent and control COVID-19 transmission in schools, including:

• Universal and Correct Use of Masks
• Physical Distancing
• Cleaning and Disinfection
• Ventilation
• Handwashing and Respiratory Etiquette
• Food Service and School Meals
• Sports and Extracurricular Activities
• Screening Testing
• Staying Home When Sick and Getting Tested
• Testing and Contact Tracing in Combination with Isolation and Quarantine
• Transportation
• Promoting COVID-19 Vaccination Among Eligible Individuals in the Schools 

Schools are encouraged to post signs at the entrance and throughout the facility that promote behaviors that prevent the spread of COVID-19.

To view DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-09 Revision 2 in its entirety, CLICK HERE. For further information, contact DPHSS at 300-9579 or 922-2562 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

DPHSS and GDOE Launch SNAP P-EBT

DPHSS in collaboration with the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) launched the Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP) Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT), which is federally funded and offered through the Food and Nutrition Services of the United States Department of Agriculture. 

School-aged students are eligible for P-EBT if they:

• were eligible to receive free or reduced-priced school meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP); or
• received such meals because their school is participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), but did not receive meals at school due to COVID-related closures or virtual learning.

Below are the dates, time and location for P-EBT Cards distribution for registered parent/guardian whose child/children attend a GDOE School:

Parents and guardians who are unable to visit the distribution site to pick up  their P-EBT cards will have additional opportunities in the future. Additional distribution dates will be announced at a later date. 

The P-EBT Issuance Form, Q & A information sheet and brochure will be available for download at dphss.guam.gov. While hard copy issuance forms are available at the distribution site, DPHSS and GDOE recommend that parents download, complete and print issuance forms prior to arriving at the distribution site. 

P-EBT Card Distribution Requirements:   

• Register at tinyurl.com/pebtguam  
• Bring a valid picture ID such as a Driver’s License, Guam ID, military ID or Passport. Photocopies of ID’s are not accepted.
• You must be the registered parent/guardian for your child with GDOE. If you are not the registered parent/guardian, a P-EBT card WILL NOT be issued to you. If your child is an active member in another SNAP household, then a card will be issued to the head of household in that SNAP case.

For example, Jane has 3 children (Angela, Nora and Joseph). Jane is receiving SNAP benefits for herself and her two children (Angela and Nora). Her 3rd Child (Joseph) is living with Auntie Maria. Auntie Maria is also receiving SNAP and Joseph is a household member in her SNAP case. Therefore, Jane will receive Angela’s and Nora’s P-EBT Cards, while Auntie Maria will receive Joseph’s P-EBT Card.

If the parent/guardian name is not listed, a DPHSS Student Verification of Enrollment Form will be issued at the distribution site. This form will be taken back to the child’s respective school where GDOE staff will complete and validate the form. Parents will then return the form to the troubleshooting table at the distribution site.

The SNAP benefits will be loaded in September 2021 and specific dates will be announced. The P-EBT card can be used once benefits are loaded. Benefits are valid for one (1) year.

The P-EBT hotline will be activated tomorrow, and an announcement will be made once available.

Avoid Sharing Unofficial or Unverified Information
The Joint Information Center is aware of unverified messages circulating on chat groups and social media with no attributable nor reputable source. The community is reminded to only share verified, official information with others to avoid the spread of misinformation. 

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 2021-09 (Revision 2)_(08.04.21)