JIC Release No. 14 - March 18, 2020 - COVID-19 Testing, Social Distancing, Older Adults Most at Risk

Sep 26, 2026

Guam DPHSS reports that 20 individuals were tested for COVID-19 on March 18, 2020, with 17 negative results, while a cumulative 65 tests between March 12 and March 18 showed eight positives and 57 negatives. Three new positive cases were confirmed and isolated. Ongoing response includes contact tracing, 14-day quarantine monitoring, mandatory quarantine for incoming travelers, airport screening wait advisories, and targeted risk guidance for older adults and people with serious chronic conditions. Clear instructions cover testing eligibility, symptom reporting hotlines, and social distancing measures to slow transmission.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Three New Positive Cases

COVID-19 Response Continues

Anticipate Lengthy Waits due to Airport Screening

Older Adults and People with Serious Chronic Medical Conditions are Most at Risk

Guidance for those at Higher Risk

COVID-19 Screening and Testing

Do Your Part to Practice Social Distancing

Take Steps to Slow the Spread of the Coronavirus

Stay Up to Date with Reputable Sources

Joint Information Center-JIC Release No. 14 March 18, 2020, 7:45 p.m. (ChST) 3 Test Positive for COVID-19; Practice Social Distancing, Older Adults Most at Risk The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) tested 20 individuals for COVID-19 on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Seventeen tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 . A total of 65 tests were performed from March 12, 2020 through March 18, 2020. To date, a total of eight cases tested positive and 57 cases tested negative for COVID-19 . The Government of Guam (GovGuam) is aggressively implementing its planned COVID-19 response to identify and contain transmission ofCOVID-19 in Guam. With any change in status, anticipate timely notification. Three New Positive Cases The results received Wednesday night confirm three additional positive cases. All three new cases remain in isolation. COVID-19 Response Continues As part of the GovGuam’s coordinated COVID-19 response, the DPHSS continues contact tracing for the eight positive COVID-19 cases identified this week. The contact tracing investigation includes identifying close contacts ofthe 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 from the Philippines. Any and all travelers arriving without these credentials will be subject to mandatory quarantine. Anticipate Lengthy Waits due to Airport Screening Family members of individuals arriving to Guam should be advised that there may be lengthy wait times at the Guam International Airport due to arrival screenings. Those waiting for arriving travelers should anticipate wait times before travelers are allowed to exit the airport. Families of arriving passengers should also be aware that certain travelers will be subject to quarantine. Older Adults and People with Serious Chronic Medical Conditions are Most at Risk Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes: ● Older adults ● People who have serious chronic medical conditions like ○ Heart disease ○ Diabetes ○ Lung disease Guidance for those at Higher Risk If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease. ● Stock up on supplies. ● Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others. ● When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often. ● Avoid crowds as much as possible. ● Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel. ● During a COVID-19 outbreak, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed. COVID-19 Screening and Testing Testing for COVID-19 is ONLY available for people who meet the testing criteria. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please call your health care provider. If a patient does not have a regular health care provider, they can call any of the Community Health Centers or the DPHSS Hotline numbers listed below to report symptoms and obtain guidance from clinicians. ● (671) 480-7859 ● (671) 480-6760/3 ● (671) 480-7883 These numbers are operational daily, [from 6 a.m. to](from 6 a.m. to) 10 p.m. and are limited to medical-related inquiries only. Do Your Part to Practice Social Distancing In an effort to prevent local transmission ofCOVID-19, children and adults are encouraged to practice social distancing. Events of more than 50 people are prohibited and everyone should take steps to put distance between themselves and others. Social distancing includes avoiding high fives, shaki

FAQs

How many people were tested for COVID-19 on March 18, 2020, and how many were positive?

On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services tested 20 individuals, with 17 negative results. The release also confirms three additional positive cases that night, bringing the total reported positives to eight from March 12 through March 18.

What happens to close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases?

The DPHSS continues contact tracing for the positive cases and identifies close contacts. Close contacts, including family members and co-workers, will be quarantined and actively monitored for 14 days after their last contact with the case.

Who should use the COVID-19 screening and testing hotline and what are the hotline hours?

Testing is available only for people who meet the testing criteria. If symptoms consistent with COVID-19 occur and the individual lacks a regular health care provider, they can call Community Health Centers or the DPHSS Hotline numbers listed; the numbers operate daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for medical-related inquiries only.

Sep 26, 2026

Uploaded by Taylor Morgan