By Johnnie Rosario
In light of quickly-increasing infection counts, the governor's chief of staff has closed Adelup, and the superintendent of education is pushing back the opening of classrooms by two weeks.
"In continued response to the recent known positive COVID-19 cases at the Governor’s Complex and out of an abundance of caution, I am directing the closure of all offices, divisions, and departments at Adelup until further notice. In the following days, the complex will be cleaned and sanitized," acting chief of staff Jon Junior Calvo wrote in a memo to the government of Guam.
Both Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio have tested positive for Covid-19.
"All Adelup employees are instructed to telework unless explicitly authorized by my office to enter the complex for essential work functions. Documents requiring immediate action may be submitted electronically to centralfiles@guam.gov. Additionally, all phone calls to the Governor’s Office will be forwarded to each respective office."
While the opening of classrooms will be delayed, those students on the two distance learning tracks still will begin instruction on August 17.
“The safety of our students and employees has always been at the forefront of our planning and decision-making regarding school openings this year,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. “I have remained in close communication with the Governor’s Office, Public Health, and the Physicians Advisory Group regarding the ongoing health situation in Guam, and based on their guidance, a two-week delay for traditional face-to-face instruction is the right decision.”
Mr. Fernandez will continue to monitor the health situation in Guam with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and DPHSS Director, to ensure that future school opening decisions align with the guidance of public health experts.
Further information will be provided to parents/guardians of students enrolled in the traditional face-to-face instructional model.
And....no one notices the Governor office not open. If only they had practiced CDC recommended guidelines. Of course, if they DID & still infected, then would love to know behavioral & environmental factors that contributed.