DPHSS Press Release: 2019 Novel Coronavirus: Update No. 5 - Travel Ban Takes Effect

DPHSS Press Release: 2019 Novel Coronavirus: Update No. 5 - Travel Ban Takes Effect

DPHSS Press Release: 2019 Novel Coronavirus: Update No. 5 - Travel Ban Takes Effect


2/3/2020

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Joint News Release
February 3, 2020

 

2019 Novel Coronavirus: Update No. 5
Travel Ban Takes Effect

President Donald Trump’s 14-day travel ban on all visitors from China took effect at 5 p.m. Feb. 2, 2020, or 8 a.m. Feb. 3, 2020 ChST. As a result of the ban, all passengers who originated travel from China are being funneled through seven U.S. airports: O’Hare in Chicago, John F. Kennedy in New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Atlanta.

The U.S.-imposed travel ban took effect at 5 p.m., Feb. 2, 2020 (EST), or 8 a.m. Feb. 3, 2020 ChST, and all passengers who originated travel from China will be funneled through seven airports in the U.S. Out of an abundance of caution, on Sunday the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) collaborated with Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and the A.B. Won Pat International Airport to provide enhanced screening and monitoring of the last group of passengers arriving from China before the institution of the ban. None of the passengers showed signs or symptoms of respiratory illness.

No cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) have been reported in Guam or the Mariana Islands to date. DPHSS, 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 (CDC) as it prepares its response, updating any plans or procedures as CDC guidelines change.


DPHSS to Meet with Healthcare Providers

Today, DPHSS Director Linda Unpingco DeNorcey and her team will meet with clinic administrators and managers to give presentations on the current protocol in place, including Guam International Airport Authority’s communicable disease response plan. Medical providers are also being provided a flowchart to identify and assess patients suspected to have 2019-nCoV infections; and the island’s medical surge capacity will also be discussed. Tonight, DPHSS Medical Director Dr. Janna Manglona will give a presentation to health care providers.

“The plan with our clinics is to mobilize resources, share up-to-date information with our health care partners, discuss sharing resources and equipment, and ensure we have seamless procedures to safeguard our island community from the novel coronavirus,” said Guam DPHSS Director Linda DeNorcey.

You too can help prepare Guam by taking everyday preventive actions now:
● Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands ● When you cough, cover your mouth with a tissue, throw the tissue away, and then wash your hands
● Cover your mouth with the sleeve of your clothing if you do not have any tissue ● Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces ● Avoid close contact with people who are sick
● Stay at home if you are sick — do not go to school or work

As a reminder, this is a rapidly evolving situation, and guidance may change.

For Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare providers should immediately notify both infection control personnel at their facility and the Guam DPHSS in the event of a patient under investigation (PUI). 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) 888-9276 (WARN).

Stay Up to Date with Reputable Sources

The community is reminded to only share official notices and visit the following links for the most up-to-date information:
● CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/
● White House Proclamation:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspension-entry-immigra nts-nonimmigrants-persons-pose-risk-transmitting-2019-novel-coronavirus/ For more information, contact DPHSS Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., at (671)735-7143.

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