The government of Guam, public schools, Catholic schools and others are closed to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero announced Sunday that Guam has three confirmed cases and early Monday morning the Joint Information Center announced that non-essential GovGuam operations will be suspended for 14-days starting Monday.

Leon Guerrero consulted with the Department of Public and Social Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to implement a 14-day suspension of non-essential Government of Guam operations effective today, Monday, March 16, a release from JIC stated.

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All critical health and public safety operations will continue uninterrupted.

Directors will advise employees if they are required to report for essential government operations.

The two-week suspension of non-essential government operations is intended to give Public Health officials and CDC advisors the best chance to investigate and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the release stated.

Two people confirmed to have COVID-19 who were previously reported to have arrived on a United flight from Manila on March 2 actually arrived on Feb. 29, the release stated.

Initial information provided to Public Health proved to be inaccurate after further investigation, the release stated.

Those in the community who returned from the Philippines on Feb. 29 and have flu-like symptoms are advised to stay home and contact your respective physician for further guidance.

The third patient had a family member who came from Japan, a Sunday release stated.

All three patients remain in isolation at the Guam Memorial Hospital, Leon Guerrero said in a special address Monday morning.

"While our Public Health officials are doing their job to detect and track any potential spread of COVID-19 I am asking to make that we as a community take actions to make that task easier," she said.

She asks residents to practice social distancing including staying away from others at least six to 10 feet away when out in public.

The governor is also prohibiting large gatherings of more than 100 people.

A hotline number to answer people's questions will be launched by the Joint Information Center, she said.

"I do not take this action lightly. I do it knowing that it will temporarily, but significantly affect our way of life. But protecting you and your families is my first responsibility," Leon Guerrero said.

She said many people may feel a sense of fear, but the community is the most effective weapon against the virus.

"Equipped yourself with information, stay home if you're sick, avoid close contact with those ill," she said.

Leon Guerrero said people should still go to the grocery store, medical offices and pharmacies, but avoiding those who may be ill is how the community can help the island's medical community who are keeping us safe.

"We are in the midst of a global challenge," she said. "I am taking these actions now to protect our community as a whole."

The Archdiocese of Agana announced that Catholic schools have been added to the islandwide list of schools that will not have classes starting Monday and until further notice.

The Archdiocese's Superintendent of Catholic Education has made the determination after consulting with the governor's office which strongly recommended the move in light of the declaration of a public health emergency due to COVID-19, a release stated.

It's important to note that the spread of COVID-19 is a dynamic situation and any information resulting from an investigation may change as it develops.

The Judiciary of Guam will close at noon Monday. All court proceedings scheduled this morning will proceed forward. All other judiciary functions and operations are canceled.

The Guam Legislature is also implementing a 14-day suspension of non-essential operations.

However, the Legislature is prepared to bring itself into session at the call of the speaker to help with GovGuam's ongoing response efforts and to aid people affected by the economic downturn the virus is causing on Guam, a letter sent to senators stated.

The following updates have been provided to the Joint Information Center on school closures:

Guam Department of Education: closed until further notice

University of Guam: All on-campus classes canceled until further notice. All online classes resume normal operations.

Guam Community College: The College Assembly scheduled for March has been canceled until further notice. The campus will remain closed to the public until classes resume at 4 p.m. on Monday. Further guidance will be issued if there are changes.

Saint Paul Christian School: closed until further notice

Guam Adventist Academy: closed until further notice

St. John's School: closed for two weeks effective March 16

Mt. Carmel School: closed until further notice

Leon Guerrero is meeting with school officials today to discuss further guidance.

Travelers

If you recently return from travel off-island, stay at home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for 14 days. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.

Seriously consider canceling non-essential travel. Additional guidance regarding all non-resident travelers will also be provided.

Senior centers closed

All Senior Citizen Centers will be closed beginning Monday.

As a precautionary measure, all individuals who have frequented a senior center in the last 14 days are asked to stay home and contact a doctor should flu-like symptoms present themselves.

Community measures

Although daily life must resume, the community is advised to take personal measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC is encouraging social distancing. Take extra measures to put distance between yourself and others to further reduce your risk of being exposed to this new virus. Social distancing includes avoiding high fives, shaking hands, hugs, or close contact with others. Take precautions now:

It is currently flu and respiratory disease season and the CDC 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 readily available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Do not touch your mouth, eyes, and nose with unwashed hands.

Do not come in contact with people who are sick.

Practice proper cough etiquette – cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash or cough into your sleeve if tissue is not available.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, do not attempt to go directly to your healthcare provider unless it is an emergency.

Instead, call your healthcare provider in advance for medical advice. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 cases. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

Fever

Cough

Shortness of breath

If sick, stay home. Do not go to work, school or public areas, and avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis. Do not entertain visitors in your household or visit others. If sick, separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. If sick, do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home.