JIC Release NO. 738 - DPHSS Issues Guidance Memo 2021-09 Revision 1; Twelve of 253 Test Positive for COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Schedule

DPHSS Issues Guidance Memo 2021-09 Revision 1 
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) issued DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-09 Revision 1, relative to additional guidance pursuant to Governor Leon Guerrero’s Executive Order 2021-16, relative to additional guidance for social distancing for In-Class Operations for K-12 Schools.

All In-Class Operating Plans for Schools must be emailed to [email protected]. If plans have previously been submitted, such plans must be resubmitted in accordance with the minimum requirements set forth in this DPHSS Guidance Memorandum. 

The purpose of DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-09 Revision 1 is to provide further clarification for schools adopting the two and a half (2.5) feet to three (3) feet physical distancing for in-class operations for K-12 Schools. In addition, layered mitigation strategies to help prevent and control COVID-19 transmission in schools include:

• Universal and Correct Use of Masks
• Physical Distancing
• Cleaning and Disinfection
• Ventilation
• Handwashing and Respiratory Etiquette
• Food Service and School Meals
• Sports and Extracurricular Activities
• Screening Testing
• Staying Home When Sick and Getting Tested
• Testing and Contact Tracing in Combination with Isolation and Quarantine
• Transportation
• Promoting COVID-19 Vaccination Among Eligible Individuals in the Schools 

Schools are encouraged to post signs at the entrance and throughout the facility that promote behaviors that prevent the spread of COVID-19.

To view DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-09 Revision 1 in its entirety, CLICK HERE. For further questions regarding Guidance Memo 2021-18, contact the DPHSS at 300-9579 or 922-2562 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Results: Twelve New Cases of COVID-19
Twelve new cases of COVID-19 were identified out of 253 tests performed on July 29. Six (6) cases were identified through contact tracing. To date, there have been a total of 8,541 officially reported cases of COVID-19 with 143 deaths, 60 cases in active isolation, and 8,338 not in active isolation. The CAR Score is 0.5.

COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule 
COVID-19 vaccination clinics continue at the locations and times below. Bring a photo ID. Those due for their second dose are reminded to bring their COVID-19 immunization card. To view the complete schedule of COVID-19 vaccination clinics, visit dphss.guam.gov/vaccinategu. 

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and provide government-issued identification to validate age. Minor’s birth certificate is acceptable. Parent/legal guardian must have a government-issued ID. Guardians must also present legal guardianship or power-of-attorney document. 

Free COVID-19 Testing Schedule

COVID-19 community testing continues from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Tuesday at the old carnival grounds in Tiyan, Barrigada. No symptoms are needed to qualify for testing. Bring a photo ID. Results available onsite. Testing for travel purposes will not be conducted at these community testing sites. Call the DPHSS Northern Region Community Health Center at (671) 635-7525/6 to schedule an appointment for COVID-19 testing for travel. Priority is given to patients under investigation, identified close contacts, and those traveling for medical purposes. Only four (4) people per vehicle are allowed to be tested. 

For the latest information on COVID-19, visit dphss.guam.gov or guamrecovery.com. For inquiries on COVID-19, contact 311 through a local number, or call the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.