Hagåtña, Guam – 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.
No Suspected Cases on Military Vessel
On March 4, DPHSS and the Government of Guam were informed of a military vessel that had sick individuals on board. The individuals were evaluated by Naval Hospital Guam Public Health personnel and did not meet the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for a person under investigation (PUI). There are no suspected COVID-19 cases or PUIs aboard the vessel.
Mission essential personnel continue to conduct official business in the vicinity of the ship on Naval Base Guam. Out of an abundance of caution, the visit will be limited as a working port to on-load supplies in support of current operations and exercises and Sailors will remain pier-side.
In accordance with U.S. Pacific Fleet directive, all military personnel will continue to be screened daily for symptoms of COVID-19 throughout and following the port visit. At this time, there are no indications that any U.S. naval personnel have been affected by COVID-19.
Use U.S. EPA Registered Products
The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reminds all importers of disinfectants and sanitizing substances to consult with the Pesticides Enforcement Program and file a Notice of Arrival (NOA) 10 days prior to the importation of any product or device that makes a claim to prevent, kill, destroy, repel or mitigate pests, including bacteria and viruses.
Filing a NOA is required by law, for importation – whether the intended purpose is personal consumption, business use or for resale. Due to the growing demand for these products, Guam EPA will expedite the NOA process for all importers. The NOA form and a list of U.S. EPA approved disinfectants can be found at http://epa.guam.gov/covid19/.
Consumers are reminded to follow the instructions on the product label to ensure safe and effective use of all disinfectants and sanitizers to include instructions for contact times as indicated on the product labels.
Prevent the Spread of All Respiratory Illnesses
The potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, globally, nationally, and to our island. Everyone in our community can take steps now to prepare for this emerging public health threat:
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It’s currently flu and respiratory disease season. U.S. CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. However, if soap and water are not readily available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
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Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose with unwashed hands.
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Practice proper cough etiquette – cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces.
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Stay home when you are sick – do not go to work or school.
Share, Download, Print Educational Materials from DPHSS Website
Educational resources for the general population, children and teens, health care settings, and businesses about the prevention of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 can be shared from the DPHSS website. Contents are from CDC. These educational print-ready materials are available for sharing via social media, or download, print, and distribution on the DPHSS website: http://dphss.guam.gov/2019-
Stay Up to Date with Reputable Sources
It is important to note that the situation can change daily. The community is reminded to only share official notices and visit the following links for the most up-to-date information:
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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 -
Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center: https://www.med.navy.mil/
sites/nmcphc/program-and- policy-support/Pages/Novel- Coronavirus.aspx -
Guam EPA website: http://epa.guam.gov/covid19/
For more information, contact DPHSS Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., at (671) 735-7154.