2 more test positive in Guam

Guam now has five confirmed COVID-19 cases after two more individuals tested positive for the novel coronavirus yesterday, according to a press release last night from the Guam Joint Information Center.

“The preliminary investigation indicates that one of the recently confirmed cases has a familial connection to two prior confirmed cases announced on March 15, 2020. Today’s second unrelated case had recent travel history to the Philippines. All five confirmed cases are currently in isolation,” the press release from the Guam JIC stated.

The Guam JIC added that Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services tested 20 individuals for COVID-19 on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Two tested positive, and 18 tested negative for novel coronavirus.

In the CNMI, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres also amended his executive order placing the CNMI under a State of Significant Emergency and State of Public Health Emergency by directing anyone traveling into the CNMI to self-quarantine for 14 days.

46 tested in Guam

Guam JIC said a total of 46 tests were performed from March 12, 2020 through March 17, 2020. To date, a total of five cases tested positive and 41 cases tested negative for COVID-19. It is important to note that the spread of COVID-19 is a dynamic situation and information may change as it develops.

The government of Guam continues to aggressively implement its response to prevent and contain transmission of COVID-19 in Guam. DPHSS has been actively conducting contact tracing for the first three positive COVID-19 cases identified on Sunday, and has also launched contact investigations for the latest confirmed cases. The contact tracing investigation includes identifying close contacts of the individuals. Close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored by DPHSS for 14 days.

Amended EO

The CNMI Office of the Governor yesterday released the Amended Executive Order 2020-04, directing all persons traveling into the Commonwealth, from a country with an identified COVID-19 outbreak, to exercise self-quarantine for 14 consecutive days as prescribed by the Commonwealth Health Care Corp.

This includes Guam, Hawaii, and the continental United States.

Torres signed the original EO Monday, placing the CNMI under the State of Public Health Emergency and under a continued State of Significant Emergency.

“These individuals will be enrolled in the CHCC COVID-19 text-based illness monitoring system and will be subject to monitoring and follow up with CHCC per their surveillance protocols,” the amended directive states.

“Failure to comply with CHCC self-quarantine protocol will subject the person to an order of isolation and quarantine.”

Travelers, including pilots and flight crew, with return flights within less than 14 days of arrival will be permitted to depart the CNMI.

CHCC is directed to coordinate with the Commonwealth Ports Authority, CNMI Customs Service, the Marianas Visitors Authority, and key local and federal government agency, to develop and implement protocols, quarantine measures and other increased monitoring and controls at the Commonwealth airports and seaports, as to all arriving travelers, passengers and cargo for screening for COVID-19.

CHCC monitors suspected or confirmed cases through Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s text-based illness monitoring system that the CDC uses for health issue management.

The TIM system is currently being used to monitor the participants of the recently-concluded Saipan Marathon, during the marathon and after their departure from the CNMI for a 14-day monitoring.

The Amended Executive Order 2020-04, which will remain in effect for 30 days or until terminated by the governor, places the CNMI government under a two-week shutdown. Activities with over 50 people are prohibited, 6 feet social distancing is recommended, and a travel ban unless for health reasons remains in place.