Take Precautions Now: Prevent the Spread of All Respiratory Illnesses 

The UOG community is taking measures to protect the community from the COVID-19 pandemic. To be effective, we all need to take personal responsibility for reducing the spread of the virus. It's especially important for us all to protect the elderly, the very young, and those with chronic conditions or impaired immune systems. It is also important not to panic, stay calm, and remain vigilant and prudent in all our planning and actions.

Everyone at UOG and in our community can take

everyday preventative measures in the face of this public health threat by:

• As much as possible, practice “social distancing” by staying away from other people and avoiding crowds. When meeting with others, try to keep a distance of 8 to 10 feet between you.
• Because it is currently flu and respiratory disease season, the Centers for Disease Control recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. However, if soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Practice proper coughing and sneezing etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose, use a tissue, or use the inside of your arm, then dispose of the tissue and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces. Wipe down surfaces at work or at home that could be contaminated with the virus. Use bleach sprays, disinfectant wipes, or soap and water.
• Avoid touching the "T-zone" of your mouth, nose, and eyes unless you have not touched any possibly contaminated surface since last washing your hands.
• Make a plan:
  • Build a communication plan: How you will receive emergency alerts? How you will communicate with your household?
  • Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick. Plan where they would stay in the home to avoid infecting others and what will be needed to care for them in your home.
  • Consider specific needs in your household: Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance.
  • Practice your plan with your household.

The University Community must take action at any hint of possible infection with COVID-19:

• Stay home when you are sick – DO NOT go to work or attend classes.
  Anyone with symptoms such as a cold, fever, dry cough, or shortness of breath should notify their doctors or GMH and then self-quarantine at home to avoid infecting other people for at least 14 days after they recover.
  • According to public reports, the vast majority of cases of the coronavirus exhibit mild or at least manageable symptoms, similar to a cold or bout of influenza, which do not require medical attention.
  • Anyone who has come in contact with a person who is suspected to have or tests positive for COVID-19 should self-quarantine at home for at least 14 days to avoid infecting other people.
  • Anyone with mild symptoms should self-isolate at home and limit interaction and exposure with other people. If possible, a person exhibiting symptoms should be given a room of their own.
  • Family or friends living with a person exhibiting symptoms need to isolate the sick person and take care to avoid infection.
  • The elderly and those with impaired immune systems (diabetics, those on dialysis, those
    with COPD or other breathing difficulties, those who are HIV positive or undergoing cancer treatments, etc.) need to be especially careful and others need to help protect them as much as possible
.

• Provisions for telecommuting and classes for those in self-quarantine
  Some employees who are in a 14-day self-quarantine may work from home with the approval from their supervisors and their administrator. Students in a 14-day self-quarantine may participate in classes with accommodations from their faculty. NOTE: Additional information on alternatives for classes including online accommodations will be provided at a later date.

• Postpone or cancel major events and large public gatherings
  UOG officials and students planning events over the next three months should consider postponing or canceling events that would involve a large gathering of people or that would require off-island travel for attendees. Organizers should consult with their administrators, deans, and or vice presidents to determine whether an event should continue.
  
  ALL EVENTS should be scheduled on the official UOG Events Calendar through the UOG Events Office at events@triton.uog.edu or call 735-2600. 

• Classes and Labs
  Faculty members should prepare to continue their classes by the most effective means possible. A committee of faculty leaders, administrators, and the Student Government Association is currently developing a plan to accommodate alternate modes of instruction. More information will be available soon.

In light of the concerns and spread of COVID-19, effective immediately, ALL OFFICIAL TRAVEL WILL BE SUSPENDED. Exceptions may be made by the appropriate Vice President.

UOG employees and students SHOULD NOT travel to locations at Alert Level 3 and are strongly advised against traveling to or transiting through locations at Alert Level 2. It is highly recommended that all individuals consider the same for personal travel.

Should a travel authorization not be approved by UOG, employees and students still choosing to travel would be travelling on their own time, at their own costs, and at their own risks. Employees would be required to use personal leave.

If you choose to travel, please be aware that there is a chance that you may not be able to leave the country you are visiting and may not be able to return to Guam right away. This would depend on any changes to this evolving situation including alert levels, exposure to COVID-19, and changes to travel routes. In such cases, you should prepare a contingency plan for your travel.

Beginning March 13, 2020, ALL EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS returning to Guam from off-island travel after visiting or transiting through any country, state, or territory with reported COVID-19 cases should observe a 14-day self-quarantine before returning to the campus. Upon arriving on-island, you could also be subject to any screening procedures in place by the Government of Guam.

The University advises checking the latest travel recommendations and risk assessment levels for certain countries at the following websites:

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel
• U.S. Department of State: International Travel
  

For printing and posting in classrooms, events, and around campus, here are some educational materials from the CDC:

• Tips that Can Help Prevent the Spread of Illnesses, including Coronavirus
  

  

  

  

• Stop Germs! Wash Your Hands
  

  

  

  

These and other materials are available on the Guam Department of Public Health Social Services website.

It is important to note that the situation can change daily. The community is reminded to only share official notices and visit the following links for the most up-to-date information: 

• Centers for Disease Control Prevention
• Guam Department of Public Health Social Services
• Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense
• Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center

For more information, contact the Department of Public Health & Social Services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., at (671) 735-7154.