Governor Ralph DLG. Torres, the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC), has confirmed that one patient suspected of COVID-19 passed away yesterday, March 30, 2020.
CHCC has sent the specimen to Guam Public Health Laboratory for testing. Guam Public Health Laboratory has assured CHCC that testing of the specimen will be a priority as soon as it is received.
The patient was a 70-year-old male and a CNMI resident. He was seen at CHCC on March 25, 2020 and was considered to be a Person Under Investigation (PUI). Based on this clinical determination, CHCC issued an order of quarantine for the patient and his wife to be cared for at Kanoa Hotel, the identified quarantine location.
The patient had underlying multiple medical conditions. A treatment plan was offered, but next of kin opted for comfort care at the hotel, which was adequately provided. The patient had no travel history, but recently came into contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19.
For most people, particularly young and healthy individuals, COVID-19 causes only mild or moderate symptoms. But for the elderly and individuals with preexisting illnesses or underlying medical conditions, it can cause more severe illness. The vast majority of those who are infected globally recover.
As of yesterday, March 30, 2020, there are two confirmed COVID-19 cases in the CNMI.
“We are advising all residents to stay home and to take all public information from our Task Force and CHCC seriously. We can save lives by staying home and avoiding contact with our man’amko and our sick. Please continue to wash your hands and practice good hygiene. We have implemented measures to ensure no public social gatherings at the beaches and parks. This will be enforced by our DPS officers in coordination with our COVID-19 Task Force. We are doing this to protect our island community,” said Governor Torres.
“Now more than ever we need to embrace these preventive methods such as social distancing, which are not a cultural norm. We can’t stress enough how it is very important for everyone in our community to stay at home and leave only for quick trips to the grocery store or to pick up food. CHCC and the Task Force will do everything possible to protect you and your loved ones, said CHCC Chief Executive Officer Esther L. Muña.
