JIC Release No. 7 - Twelve Individuals Test Negative for COVID-19 - GHS OCD

The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) tested 12 individuals for COVID-19 on Monday, March 16, 2020. All tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.

From March 12, 2020 through March 16, 2020, a total of 26 tests have been performed. To date, three tested positive and 23 tested negative for COVID-19.

The Government of Guam is aggressively implementing its planned COVID-19 response to identify and contain transmission of COVID-19 in Guam. From Sunday into Monday morning, the DPHSS has been actively conducting contact tracing for the three positive COVID-19 cases that were identified on Sunday.

DPHSS Continues Investigation into Three Confirmed Cases
All three confirmed cases identified on Sunday remain in isolation. DPHSS is continuing its contact tracing investigation, which includes identifying close contacts of the individuals. Close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored by DPHSS for 14 days.

COVID-19 Screening and Testing
Testing for COVID-19 is ONLY available for people who meet the testing criteria. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider. You can also call these numbers to speak with a registered nurse: (671) 480-7859; (671) 480-6760/3; (671) 480-7883. These numbers are operational daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and are specific to medical-related questions, only. For those who meet PUI criteria and without insurance, testing is available through a doctor’s order.

Residents Urged to Practice Social Distancing
Earlier today, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero ordered a 14-day suspension of all non-essential government operations, ordered the closure of schools, and prohibited large gatherings effective immediately. During this time, in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, all students, employees, and the public are encouraged to practice social distancing. During this period, individuals should avoid large groups. Take extra measures to put distance between yourself and others to further reduce your risk of being exposed to this new virus. Social distancing includes avoiding high fives, shaking hands, hugs, or close contact with others.

Stay Up to Date with Reputable Sources
It is important to note that the situation can change quickly. The community is reminded to only share official notices and visit the following links for the most up-to-date information:

CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
DPHSS website: http://dphss.guam.gov/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-n-cov/
GHS/OCD website: https://ghs.guam.gov/coronavirus-covid-19

For media inquiries, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

X Flooding is a temporary overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. There are many possible causes of floods including heavy rain, coastal storms and storm surge, waterway overflow from being blocked with debris, or overflow of levees, dams, or waste water systems. Flooding can occur slowly over many days or happen very quickly with little or no warning, called flash floods.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/floods

Wildfire

Regularly clean the roof and gutters.
Maintain an area approximately 30’ away from you home that is free of anything that will burn, such as wood piles, dried leaves, newspapers and other brush.
Connect garden hoses long enough to reach any area of the home and fill garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water.
Review your homeowner's insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home's contents.

Fire Weather

Turn on your TV/radio. You’ll get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the route to take and have plan of where you will go. Check-in with your friends and family.
Keep your car fueled, in good condition, and stocked with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.

Drought

Conserve water

Take shorter showers.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
Run the washer less frequently and only when you have a full load.
Water your lawn less frequently and do so when the temperature is cooler in the early morning or late evening.
When you run the tap to heat or cool water, keep a pitcher to store the water and use it to water plants.
Avoid washing your car.

Practice fire prevention

Don't set off fireworks when conditions are dry.
Deposit cigarette butts in the proper receptacle to avoid starting a
Pour water over camp fires and backyard fire pits to ensure they are completely out before leaving them unattended.

Follow directions from local officials. If there are restrictions on water usage, be sure to heed them.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires and https://www.ready.gov/drought

X
Typhoons/Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over the water and move toward land. Threats from typhoons/hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, and rip currents.

“Hurricanes” form in the Atlantic Northeast Pacific region and “Typhoons” form in the Northwest Pacific Region. These large storms are call cyclones in other parts of the world.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

JIC Release No. 7 - Twelve Individuals Test Negative for COVID-19