4 new COVID-19 cases in Guam

Another day and four new cases of COVID-19 have tested positive in neighboring Guam, as the U.S. territory continues to grapple with an outbreak of the coronavirus.

The Guam Joint Information Center said that four tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday. The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services tested 16 individuals suspected of having the virus. Twelve tested negative; for were positive.

Of the four new cases, one had travel history. The three others confirmed on Wednesday, March 18, had no travel history.

In all, a total of 81 tests were performed from March 12, 2020 through March 19, 2020 with conclusive results. To date, a total of 12 cases have tested positive in Guam and 69 cases tested negative.

As part of the GovGuam’s coordinated COVID-19 response, the DPHSS continues contact tracing for the 12 positive COVID-19 cases identified this week. The contact tracing investigation includes identifying close contacts of the individuals. Close contacts may include family members and co-workers who will be quarantined and actively monitored by DPHSS for 14 days after their last contact with the case.

Additionally, GovGuam has instituted COVID-19 Mandatory Quarantine Protocol (MQP) measures for all incoming travelers. Any and all travelers arriving without these credentials will be subject to mandatory quarantine.

Torres orders curfew for minors

In the CNMI, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres has directed the Department of Public Safety and all CNMI law enforcement officers to strictly enforce the curfew laws for minors throughout Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

This means all minors (persons under the age of 18) must remain indoors from 7pm until 6am.

This is in line with the implementation of the Amended Executive Order 2020-004, which placed the CNMI under the state of public health emergency and a continued state of significant emergency.

“In an effort to reduce the risks of the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, I issued Directive No. 2020-005 which extends the applicable curfew hours for all minors (people under the age of 18) in the Commonwealth to 7pm until 6am as we continue our public health emergency,” Torres said.

The governor is urging the entire community to have all minors home by 7pm, not just for their safety but for the safety of the entire community.

“This is part of our social distancing policy, meaning if we all do it together, we can limit the rise of new COVID-19 infections here in the Marianas,” Torres said.

Pursuant to curfew laws, the only exceptions include minors who are accompanied by their parent, guardian, or an adult, who are in the direct route driving and returning home, or who are lawfully employed during the hours specified.

Under the directive, it is illegal for minors to loiter from 7pm until 6am, in or about any public streets, highways, roads, alleys, parks, public buildings, places of amusement and entertainment, restaurants, cafes and other eateries, or vacant lots and places, in all of the CNMI.

Anyone who violates this directive may be imprisoned for a period not to exceed 30 days, and up to 250 hours of community service.

Minors found in violation may be cited or arrested and detained, and be subjected to the provisions of the juvenile court law.

The curfew is to remain in effect until the emergency declaration has been lifted or until further notice.

Police officers are directed to enforce these new temporary curfew hours.

In a separate press release, DPS said it will be strictly be enforcing the curfew laws.

Torres’ COVID-19 Task Force and the police advise the public to refrain from making unnecessary trips to public places and to limit public exposure to grocery store trips and food pick-ups.

Amended EO

Torres also amended his EO by adding a sub-section on interisland travel within the Commonwealth. It now directs any individual entering the CNMI, whose ultimate destination is the island of Tinian or Rota, to exercise the 14-day self-quarantine on Saipan before proceeding to their final destination.

The 14-day self-quarantine is mandatory for individuals traveling from a country with an identified COVID-19 outbreak, including Hawaii, Guam, and the continental U.S.

Upon successful completion of the quarantine period, the Commonwealth Health Care Corp. shall issue a document stating that individual is clear of COVID-19. The individual must then present the document to any vessel or airline when checking in for a flight or vessel to Tinian and Rota. An individual without the document will not be allowed to procced to his/her next destination.