JIC RELEASE NO. 59 - Profiles of Earlier Confirmed Cases; Precautions Taken at DOC; Coping With Stress; DPHSS Division Updates

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) tested 13 individuals for COVID-19 on Monday, April 6, 2020 with conclusive results. One tested positive through DPHSS and 12 tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Additional results will be provided later this evening once today’s test results are finalized. 

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) tested 13 individuals for COVID-19 on Monday, April 6, 2020 with conclusive results. One tested positive through DPHSS and 12 tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Additional results will be provided later this evening once today’s test results are finalized. 

Preliminary Profiles of Confirmed Cases
Most of Guam COVID-19 known positive cases have epidemiological links to other confirmed cases. Profiles of the 113 COVID-19 cases include two clinically diagnosed cases and reports of nine positive confirmed cases received from the U.S. Naval Hospital that were tested by the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) in San Diego. To date, a total of 113 cases tested positive and two were clinically diagnosed with 27 recoveries and four deaths. As this is an evolving situation, information is subject to change with little to no notice.

Precautions Taken at DOC
The Guam Department of Corrections (DOC) advised that on Friday, April 03, 2020, a DOC recruit reported that a family member had tested positive for COVID-19. The employee was instructed not to report for duty and to self-quarantine at home. On Monday, April 06, 2020, the employee was tested for COVID-19 which came back positive. 

Out of an abundance of caution and pending further investigation, the Acting Director of Corrections, Joseph S. Carbullido, ordered that all thirty-eight (38) recruits that may have had contact with the recruit that tested positive for COVID-19, self-quarantine at home. The temporary absence of the recruits will not significantly impact DOC operations.

DOC is working with DPHSS to address this issue and will continue to assess the situation and take all necessary measures to protect the inmates, staff, and the public.   

Stress and Coping During this Pandemic
The COVID-19 outbreak may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about the virus can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.

• Take care of your body.

  • Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.

  • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.

  • Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep.

  • Avoid alcohol and drugs.

• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Sharing the facts about COVID-19. Understanding the risk to yourself and people you care about can make an outbreak less stressful.

When you share accurate information about COVID-19, you can help make people feel less stressed and make a connection with them. For more information from the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control on daily life and coping visit:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Help for Vulnerable Seniors through Case Management Services
Seniors who need assistance to complete daily living activities can access help through the Case Management Services (CMS) Program under the Health Services of the Pacific (HSP). The DPHSS Division of Senior Citizens has contracted HSP to coordinate services for eligible seniors. These services include laundry services, utility payments, banking, grocery shopping, and prescription refills. Same day services will not be available. The services through HSP starts this Wednesday, April 8, 2020 and will be provided until further notice.  

For eligibility, seniors must be 60 years or older, live alone or have little to no family support, and have no access to transportation. CMS will screen seniors to determine service eligibility and implement appropriate services. If determined eligible, a second assessment will be conducted to ensure the safety of the senior (client) and the service provider, which will include a brief questionnaire regarding the senior’s health. CMS operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (671) 735-3277 or (671) 588-5274.  

Division of Environmental Health Processing Center Remains Closed
DPHSS reminds the public that the Division of Environmental Health’s Processing Center Section will remain closed until further notice. As a result, applications for new and renewing Health Certificates will not be accepted and processed. Health Certificates expiring from February 16, 2020 to May 5, 2020 will continue to be valid until further notice.

Additionally, Refresher and Interim Food Safety Health Certificate Training Courses, which were scheduled from March 16, 2020 to May 5, 2020, will be rescheduled to another date with no additional fees. As a reminder, employers with employees who possess an Interim-New Health Certificate are to be overseen by a manager or supervisor with a Manager’s Certification so to ensure these employees are given supervision in food safety practices while at work.

The public is instructed to refrain from visiting the Division of Environmental Health and Northern Region Community Health Center for inquiries about Health Certificates, Sanitary Permits, or Guam Controlled Substances Registrations. Please call 300-9568 for assistance, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.

For inquiries on COVID-19, contact 311 through a local number, or call the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0209/10.