The Joint Information Center is aware of unverified messages circulating on social media and chat groups. The community is reminded that this is a rapidly evolving situation. With any change in status, anticipate timely notification. Residents are advised to only share official notices and information to avoid the spread of misinformation. 

Today, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed Executive Order 2020-04 relative to responding to confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Executive Order closes all non-essential Government of Guam (GovGuam) offices, closes all public and private schools, and prohibits large gatherings. 

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, in consultation with the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has implemented a 14-day suspension of non-essential Government of Guam (GovGuam) operations effective today, Monday, March 16. All critical health and public safety operations will continue uninterrupted. Directors will advise employees if they are required to report for essential government operations.

The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) has confirmed three cases of COVID-19 in Guam. The entire Government of Guam has implemented its planned COVID-19 response to identify and contain transmission on island.

On March 15, 2020, the DPHSS Guam Public Health Laboratory in Tamuning tested five samples; two met the Persons Under Investigation (PUI) criteria and three were Surveillance Cases. Three tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. 

The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) continues to work with local and federal partners to address the threat of the virus that causes COVID-19. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guam. Guam continues to assess the situation as it evolves. With any change in status, anticipate timely notification. 

Guam Public Health Laboratory Tests Three Individuals for COVID-19; All Cleared for COVID-19

The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) continues to work with local and federal partners to address the threat of the virus that causes COVID-19. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guam. Guam continues to assess the situation as it evolves. With any change in status, anticipate timely notification. 

The National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Office Guam advised surf remains large enough along east facing reefs to maintain strong and frequent rip currents. The following advisories remain in effect:

A high risk of rip currents is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through Thursday night. Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore. Along east facing reefs, surf of 8 to 10 feet will maintain a high risk of rip currents.  

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting applications for members to join their 2020 Youth Preparedness Council (YPC).