Special Note: After March 27, 2023, Weekly Joint Information Center (JIC) releases, as they relate to COVID-19 results, will be discontinued. JIC releases will be issued only on an as needed basis. To view the most up to date COVID-19 information, including weekday surveillance summary reports, visit http://dphss.guam.gov/covid-19/
[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” fullwidth=”yes” background_color=”#ffffff”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”84281″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”http://dphss.guam.gov/”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”69445″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://guamrecovery.com/guams-vaccination-testing-updates/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” fullwidth=”yes” background_color=”#ffffff”][vc_column][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”custom-sidebar3″ el_id=”Latest News”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” fullwidth=”yes”][vc_column][vc_message message_box_style=”solid” message_box_color=”success”]Guam residents can now place orders of at-home, rapid COVID-19 test kits online, limited to four free tests per residential or mailing address. Residents can order online at COVIDtests.gov or https://special.usps.com/testkits.When performing at-home COVID-19 test kits, don’t forget to report your results to the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) at dphss.surveillance@dphss.guam.gov.[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” fullwidth=”yes” el_id=”Main Navigation Content for Guam Recovery”][vc_column width=”1/3″ el_id=”Guam Recovery Main Options 1″][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-exclamation-triangle” el_id=”Executive Orders”]Executive Orders[/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-shower”]CDC Cleaning & Disinfecting[/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-notes-medical” el_id=”CDC Guidelines & Recommendations”]CDC Guidelines & Recommendations [/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-vial” el_id=”Testing COVID-19 on Guam”]Testing & Vaccination Schedules[/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-caret-right”]PCOR 1 Business Plan Guidance[/vc_message][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-hands-helping” el_id=”Small Business Assistance and Funding Programs”]Small Business Assistance[/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-newspaper” el_id=”News and Updates”]News & Updates[/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-users” el_id=”Employee Information”]Employee Information[/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-plane” el_id=”Travel to Guam”]Travel to Guam[/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-caret-right”]PCOR 2 Business Plan Guidance[/vc_message][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-bars” el_id=”Industry Guidelines”]Industry Guidelines[/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-briefcase” el_id=”Employer Information”]Employer Information[/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-atom” el_id=”Protehi I Lina’Lata A Program to provide continued assistance to Guam Businesses, Their Employees and Families.”]Protehi I Lina’Lata[/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-hand-holding-usd” el_id=”Non-Profits, GovGuam Agencies Encouraged to Apply for GEDA Qualifying Certificate Community Contribution Grant Program”]Apply Today for the QCCC Grant Program Series 5[/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-caret-right”]PCOR 3 Business Plan Guidance[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_separator]
Coronavirus Covid-19 Dashboard
Guam Department of Health & Social Services
The Guam COVID-19 Surveillance Summary is updated Monday through Friday, except on Holidays.[/vc_column_text][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-exclamation-circle”]Visit DPHSS for Updates[/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-globe-asia” el_id=”View Global Counts of Covid-19″]View Global Counts of Covid-19[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1590610885420{padding-top: 15px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_message message_box_color=”success”]
‘Safe Travels’: Global Protocols & Stamp for the New Normal
[/vc_message][vc_single_image image=”66269″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://wttc.org/Initiatives/SafeTravels-Global-Protocols-Stamp” el_id=”Guam Safe Certified”][vc_message el_id=”Get Your Guam Business Certified Today”]Learn more about Safe Travels Certifications!
[/vc_message][vc_message message_box_color=”green” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-arrow-circle-down” el_id=”View & Download Covid-19 GVB Industry Update September 25th”]View & Download Covid-19 GVB Industry Update[/vc_message][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Tweets by GuamRecovery [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1590610885420{padding-top: 15px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1590610885420{padding-top: 15px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/d2oV7Bxaeok” title=”Gov. Leon Guerrero’s Special Address relative to the end of the public health emergency.”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUFtSnVnnCY” title=”Governor Leon Guerrero’s COVID-19 update here”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOrkaKm-lvU” title=”COVID-19 Recovery Update: Lifting of Restrictions” el_id=”Governor Lou Leon Guerrero – COVID-19 Recovery Update: Monday, April 18, 2022″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”FAQ”]Please visit our FAQ page, for more information.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How does COVID-19 Spread?”]Updated June 16, 2020COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. We are still learning about how the virus spreads and the severity of illness it causes.
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
The virus spreads easily between people
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious, like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, which means it goes from person-to-person without stopping.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably between people. Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggests that this virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious. In general, the more closely a person interacts with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.
The virus may be spread in other ways
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about how this virus spreads.
Spread between animals and people
- At this time, the risk of COVID-19 spreading from animals to people is considered to be low. Learn about COVID-19 and pets and other animals.
- It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations. CDC is aware of a small number of pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. Learn what you should do if you have pets.
Protect yourself and others
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. You can take steps to slow the spread.
- Maintain good social distance (about 6 feet). This is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others.
Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and others.
- Addressing Sick Individuals
- Testing for COVID-19
- Individuals Identified as Close Contacts
- If you test positive for COVID-19
In addition, DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 1 provides an update on the requirements for the duration of isolation for confirmed positive cases:
- For symptomatic individuals at the time of testing:
- If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, isolation may be discontinued after:
- At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared;
- At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without using fever-reducing medication; and,
- Other symptoms have improved.
- If you are fully vaccinated or boosted, isolation may be discontinued after:
- At least 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared;
- At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without using fever-reducing medication; and,
- Other symptoms have improved.
- If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, isolation may be discontinued after:
- For asymptomatic individuals at the time of testing:
- If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, isolation may be discontinued after:
- At least 10 days have passed since the day of the positive specimen collection.
- For healthcare personnel, at least 5 days if a negative COVID-19 viral test is obtained within 24 hours prior to returning to work.
- Healthcare personnel should continue to wear a well-fitting mask properly around others at home and in public for 5 additional days.
- If you become symptomatic:
- If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, isolation may be discontinued after:
- At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared;
- At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without using fever-reducing medication; and,
- Other symptoms have improved.
- If you are fully vaccinated or boosted, isolation may be discontinued after:
- At least 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared;
- At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without using fever-reducing medication; and,
- Other symptoms have improved.
- If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, isolation may be discontinued after:
- For healthcare personnel, at least 5 days if a negative COVID-19 viral test is obtained within 24 hours prior to returning to work.
- At least 10 days have passed since the day of the positive specimen collection.
- If you are fully vaccinated or boosted, isolation may be discontinued after:
- At least 5 days have passed since the day of the positive specimen collection.
- You should continue to wear a well-fitting mask properly around others at home and in public for 5 additional days.
- If you become symptomatic:
- If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, isolation may be discontinued after:
- At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared;
- At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without using fever-reducing medication; and,
- Other symptoms have improved.
- If you are fully vaccinated or boosted, isolation may be discontinued after:
- At least 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared;
- At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without using fever-reducing medication; and,
- Other symptoms have improved.
- If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, isolation may be discontinued after:
- At least 5 days have passed since the day of the positive specimen collection.
- If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, isolation may be discontinued after:
- People who are severely immunocompromised may need to remain in isolation up to 20 days after symptoms first appeared.
- A test-based approach for discontinuing isolation may be considered in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer, Medical Director, or any designated DPHSS medical provider. Close contacts will still be subject to quarantine.
- A DPHSS clearance letter may be provided when a patient is released from isolation.
- If symptoms worsen while in isolation, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately, seek emergency care, and/or call 911.
DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 1 is subject to change without notice. To view DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 1 in its entirety, CLICK HERE.
Click here to view guidance_2021-16 rev1-signed[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What should I do if an employee comes to work with COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath)?” custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” use_custom_heading=”true”]Employees who have symptoms when they arrive at work or become sick during the day should immediately be separated from other employees, customers, and visitors and sent home. Employees who develop symptoms outside of work should notify their supervisor and stay home.
Sick employees should follow CDC-recommended steps. Employees should not return to work until they have met the criteria to discontinue home isolation and have consulted with a healthcare provider and state or local health department.
Employers should not require sick employees to provide a COVID-19 test result or healthcare provider’s note to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or return to work. Healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely manner.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What should I do if an employee is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19?” custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” use_custom_heading=”true”]In most cases, you do not need to shut down your facility. But do close off any areas used for prolonged periods of time by the sick person:
- Wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting to minimize potential for other employees being exposed to respiratory droplets. If waiting 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible.
- During this waiting period, open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in these areas.
Follow the CDC cleaning and disinfection recommendations:
- Clean dirty surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting them.
- To disinfect surfaces, use products that meet EPA criteria for use against SARS-Cov-2external iconexternal icon, the virus that causes COVID-19, and are appropriate for the surface.
- Always wear gloves and gowns appropriate for the chemicals being used when you are cleaning and disinfecting.
- You may need to wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the setting and disinfectant product you are using.
In addition to cleaning and disinfecting, employers should determine which employees may have been exposed to the virus and need to take additional precautions:
- Most workplaces should follow the Public Health Recommendations for Community-Related Exposure.
- Critical infrastructure workplaces should follow the guidance Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19.
Sick employees should follow CDC-recommended steps. Employees should not return to work until they have met the criteria to discontinue home isolation and have consulted with a healthcare provider and state or local health department.
If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”If employees have been exposed but are not showing symptoms, should I allow them to work?” custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” use_custom_heading=”true”]Employees may have been exposed if they are a “close contact” of someone who infected, which is defined as being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a person with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time:
- Potentially exposed employees who have symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate and follow CDC recommended steps.
- Potentially exposed employees who do not have symptoms should remain at home or in a comparable setting and practice social distancing for 14 days.
All other employees should self-monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If they develop symptoms, they should notify their supervisor and stay home.
See Public Health Recommendations for Community-Related Exposure for more information.
To ensure continuity of operations of essential functions, CDC advises that critical infrastructure workersexternal iconexternal icon may be permitted to continue work following potential exposure to COVID-19, provided they remain symptom-free and additional precautions are taken to protect them and the community.
- Critical infrastructure businesses have an obligation to limit, to the extent possible, the reintegration of in-person workers who have been exposed to COVID-19 but remain symptom-free in ways that best protect the health of the worker, their co-workers, and the general public.
- An analysis of core job tasks and workforce availability at worksites can allow the employer to match core activities to other equally skilled and available in-person workers who have not been exposed.
- A critical infrastructure worker who is symptom-free and returns to work should wear a face mask at all times while in the workplace for 14 days after last exposure. Employers can issue facemasks or can approve employees’ supplied cloth face coverings in the event of shortages.
See Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 for more information.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What should I do if I find out several days later, after an employee worked, that they were diagnosed with COVID-19?” custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” use_custom_heading=”true”]
- If it has been less than 7 days since the sick employee used the facility, clean and disinfect all areas used by the sick employee following the CDC cleaning and disinfection recommendations.
- If it has been 7 days or more since the sick employee used the facility, additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary. Continue routinely cleaning and disinfecting all high-touch surfaces in the facility.
- Other employees may have been exposed to the virus if they were in “close contact” (within approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) of the sick employee for a prolonged period of time.
- Those who have symptoms should self-isolate and follow CDC recommended steps.
- In most workplaces, those potentially exposed but with no symptoms should remain at home or in a comparable setting and practice social distancing for 14 days.
- Critical infrastructure workers should follow Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19. A critical infrastructure worker who is symptom-free and returns to work should wear a face mask at all times while in the workplace for 14 days after last exposure. Employers can issue facemasks or can approve employees’ supplied cloth face coverings in the event of shortages.
- Employees not considered exposed should self-monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If they develop symptoms, they should notify their supervisor and stay home.
- Consider options to increase physical space between employees and customers such as opening a drive- through, erecting partitions, and marking floors to guide spacing at least six feet apart.
- At least once a day clean and disinfect surfaces frequently touched by multiple people. This includes door handles, desks, phones, light switches, and faucets,
- Consider assigning a person to rotate throughout the workplace to clean and disinfect surfaces.
- Consider scheduling handwashing breaks so employees can wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Consider scheduling a relief person to give cashiers and service desk workers an opportunity to wash their hands.
- Implementing telework and other social distancing practices
- Actively encouraging employees to stay home when sick
- Promoting handwashing
- Providing supplies and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for cleaning and disinfecting workspaces
In workplaces where it’s not possible to eliminate face-to-face contact (such as retail), consider assigning higher risk employees work tasks that allow them to maintain a 6-foot distance from others, if feasible.
Employers should not require employees to provide a note from their healthcare provider when they are sick and instead allow them to inform their supervisors or employee health services when they have conditions that put them at higher risk for diseases.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How often should my employees wash their hands while at work?” custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” use_custom_heading=”true”]CDC recommends employees protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions, including good hand hygiene. Employees should wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available, especially during key times when persons are likely to be infected by or spread germs:
- After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- After using the toilet
- After touching garbage
- Before and after the work shift
- Before and after work breaks
- After touching objects that have been handled by customers