JIC RELEASE NO. 126 - Updated COVID-19 Case Number; COVID-19 Case Count Provided by DPHSS; Factors for Increased Risk of COVID-19; Marine Preserves Remain Closed

As of May 15, 2020, there have been 154 cases of COVID-19 reported on Guam with 5 deaths and 124 recoveries. On May 14, 2020, two new cases of COVID-19 were reported to the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS). Following guidance from the Governor’s Physicians Advisory Group, the case initially removed from the overall count yesterday was re-classified as a probable case. A probable case is defined as a case that has been clinically diagnosed with COVID-19, regardless of laboratory result. 

Of the two newly reported cases, one was identified with confirmatory testing at Guam Public Health Laboratory (GPHL) and the other case is associated with a significant COVID-19 cluster and tested positive at Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH). As this is an evolving situation, information is subject to change with little to no notice. 

COVID-19 Case Count Provided by DPHSS 
DPHSS is the official reporting authority of Guam’s COVID-19 laboratory test results. A daily situation report compiles COVID-19 laboratory results from all reporting laboratories as of midnight prior. Tests conducted after midnight are reported in the next day's reporting period by DPHSS. The Joint Information Center reports information from GPHL nightly and from the DPHSS daily report. The COVID-19 cases dashboard is updated with the most accurate information available.

For updated information on COVID-19 cases on Guam, visit the COVID-19 Dashboard at http://dphss.guam.gov/covid-19/. 

*Some cases that were previously released from isolation have tested positive through follow-up testing

**Some cases traveled to more than one country

Disability Groups and Risk of COVID-19
If you have one of the disability types listed below, you might be at increased risk of becoming infected or having unrecognized illness. You should discuss your risk of illness with your healthcare provider.

• People who have limited mobility or who cannot avoid coming into close contact with others who may be infected, such as direct support providers and family members
• People who have trouble understanding information or practicing preventive measures, such as hand washing and social distancing
• People who may not be able to communicate symptoms of illness

Protect Yourself
If you or someone you care for are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, take steps to prevent getting sick. In addition to practicing everyday preventive actions, people with disabilities who have direct support providers can help protect themselves from respiratory illness in the following ways:

• Ask your direct support provider if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or if they have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
• Tell your direct service provider to

  • Wash their hands when they enter your home and before and after touching you (e.g., dressing, bathing/showering, transferring, toileting, feeding), handling tissues, or when changing linens or doing laundry. Learn more about proper handwashing.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (e.g., counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, bedside tables), and equipment such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, oxygen tanks and tubing, communication boards and other assistive devices. Refer to CDC’s General Recommendations for Routine Cleaning and Disinfections of Households.

If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please call your health care provider. If a patient does not have a regular health care provider, they can call any of the Community Health Centers or the DPHSS Medical Triage Hotline Phone Numbers listed below to report symptoms and obtain guidance from clinicians, or call 311.

• (671) 480-7859
• (671) 480-6760/3
• (671) 480-7883 
• (671) 687-6170 (ADA Dedicated Number)

Marine Preserves Remain Closed, Special Permits Only 
The Director of The Department of Agriculture, in accordance with Section 63123 of Title 5, Guam Code Annotated (GCA) is issuing a special permit to allow the harvest of juvenile rabbitfish (Manahak), juvenile fusiliers (Achemson), juvenile goatfish (Ti’ao), juvenile jacks (I’e), and scad mackerel (Atulai), within the Åchang Bay Preserve and Piti Bomb Holes Marine Preserve, for food security during this public health emergency declaration as well as for cultural educational purposes to ensure this traditional fishing practice continues for future generations. 

• The special permit will only be issued for Åchang Bay Marine Preserve and Piti Bomb Holes Marine Preserve.
• The special permit is only for Manahak, Ti’ao, I’e, Atulai, and Achemson.
• Only hook-and-line and talaya are allowed.
• No other fish, seaweed, shellfish, or other marine life may be taken.  

The harvest of these species is dependent on conditions specified below:

1. All social distancing measures must be followed. The purpose of focusing on the use of talåya and hook-and-line is to protect our community by limiting fishing to a single-person activity. Please keep a distance of six feet or more between yourself and anyone else.

2. Only the use of talåya nets (cast nets) or hook-and-line for the harvest of Manahak, Achemson, Ti’ao, and I’e is allowed from shore for a period from May 14, 2020 – May 31, 2020. 

3. I’e and tiao harvested shall not be longer than 4-inches long.  

4. Manahak shall not be longer than 3-inches long.

5. While fishing for Manahak, Achemson, Ti’ao, and I’e under this permit, entry into the water is only allowed to retrieve the talåya after casting the net.

6. The harvest of any marine species other than Manahak, Achemson, Ti’ao, I’e, and Atulai, in the preserve is prohibited. 
   Immediate removal and release of non-target species from the net is required.

7. The use of talåya (cast nets) or hook-and-line for Manahak, Achemson, Ti’ao, and I’e is limited to the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Hook-and-line from boat for Atulai has no time limit.

8. Net dimension of talåya nets (cast nets): small enough to prevent gilling of fish. The use of gill nets and other nets are prohibited. 

9. The Piti and Merizo Mayors’ Offices will educate the public about these traditional fishing practices.

10. The use of motorized watercraft to transport gear is prohibited for harvest Achemson, and Manahak using talåya.

11. The Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Officers will fully enforce all laws and regulations in the preserve.

12. Fishermen may view the permit at the Piti and Merizo Mayors’ Offices or at the Department of Agriculture, Division of Aquatics and Wildlife Resources (DAWR). 

For more information please contact the Department of Agriculture Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR) at fisheries@doag.guam.gov.

For inquiries on COVID-19, contact 311 through a local number, or call the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.