By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Hospitalizations remain manageable despite a new spike in Covid-19 infections on Guam, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said today, advising residents that restrictions will not be reinstated-- at least for now.
"Our island will stay the course. You know what to do, Guam," the governor said in her video message released today. "Stop the spread of the virus with the mitigation measures that helped get to where we are today."
However, the governor said her policy decisions will depend on circumstances.
"My medical advisors and I are keeping a close watch, and should the situation change, I am prepared to take the necessary steps to protect our progress, to protect our fragile health care system, and most importantly, to save lives," she said.
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In the past week, the Department of Public Health and Social Services has been reporting three-digit test results on a daily basis.
Today, the department reported 123 new positive cases from 1,104 specimens collected June 16. Twenty-two cases were reported through the Department of Defense.
To date, there have been a total of 50,608 officially reported cases, 370 deaths, 558 cases in active isolation and seven hospitalizations.
Leon Guerrero said the increase in positive results was expected since the Covid restrictions were lifted over six weeks ago.
"Families and friends have since reunited, enjoying one another’s face-to-face company. Large gatherings returned, including live concerts and major milestone celebrations like graduations and weddings," she said.
Restaurants, hotels and local businesses are seeing an increase in traffic as tourists begin to trickle in.
"These have all been promising signs that life has resumed to normal—to life as we knew it pre-pandemic," the governor said. "And while we've all breathed a sigh of relief—most of us without having to use our face masks—I cannot stress enough: the pandemic is not over yet."
The governor issued the following advisories:
Stay home if you are sick.
If you are elderly or with underlying conditions, continue to wear a face mask, especially in large crowds.
Or if you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, please continue to do so.
Recognize the symptoms of Covid-19, including coughing, fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and trouble breathing.
Get tested and isolate if you test positive.
Check your health care provider to see what treatments are available to you.
Get vaccinated and boosted for maximum protection.
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