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Guam follows US govt actions
Takes steps to quarantine US citizens arriving from China and deny entry to foreign nationals
Following the announcement last Saturday by the White House declaring a public health emergency over the novel coronavirus outbreak, the government of Guam has taken steps to follow the procedures outlined by federal public health authorities.
On Friday, the White House suspended entry to the United States of any non-U.S. citizens who, in the 14 days prior to their arrival were physically present within the People’s Republic of China. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and family members to U.S. citizens will be allowed entry, but will require a 14-day quarantine. The federal government has not yet issued guidance on how or where the quarantine will take place. GovGuam is preparing for the possible implementation of quarantine plans should there be local requirements to implement the policy.
Leon Guerrero
“We are in constant communication with federal public health officials and our White House counterparts. We are prepared to execute all official advisories once they are issued, and we will advise the public accordingly,” said Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero. “We have planned for these circumstances and we are ready to implement our plan and keep Guam safe.”
Although no cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus—officially called the 2019-nCoV—have been reported in Guam or the Northern Marianas to date, the Department of Public Health and Social Services, along with emergency management stakeholders, is actively preparing for its potential arrival. DPHSS continues to follow guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as it prepares its response, updating any plans or procedures as CDC guidelines change.
“While GovGuam works with our federal partners to prevent and prepare for the introduction of coronavirus, everyone on Guam can take simple actions now to stop the spread of respiratory illnesses like the flu and coronavirus by practicing good hygiene and staying home if you’re ill,” shared Guam DPHSS Director Linda DeNorcey.
Healthcare providers should immediately notify both infection control personnel at their facility and the in the event of a patient under investigation. Current PUI criteria can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html. Providers can reach DPHSS to report a PUI at (671) 888-WARN. (PR)
