Guam State News

GDOL to batch unemployment claims every other Tuesday

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 04:39:03 +0000

Unemployment claimants can expect their benefits to be batched every other Tuesday by the Guam Department of Labor as it administers the Continued Assistance Act which
extends Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation.

The Department will also focus on the new notifications and guidance included in the Act that it must implement into the new program.

The next batch is expected to be Feb. 2.

The Department expects to remain on this bi-weekly payment schedule unless there is a need for a special batch or there is a change in circumstances.

“We are pretty much caught up to date with batching payments for cleared claims and want to stay on top of that. Batching every other week allows us to ensure our claimants are paid while giving us time to fulfill the new requirements of the Continued Assistance Act,” said Labor Director David Dell’Isola.

The Department also reminds the public that the 1099 tax forms for pandemic unemployment benefits will be issued by the due date of Jan. 31, and will also be available online. GDOL will announce when claimants can logon to their hireguam.com dashboards to download and print their 1099 form for tax filing purposes.

Dell’Isola also continues to work with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Del. Michael San Nicolas on finding a solution for those working reduced hours who may not be eligible for PUA.

The Labor Department will keep the public informed. Please stay tuned to the media.

For more information on the unemployment assistance programs go to dol.guam.gov. For login issues, email webadmin@dol.guam.gov. For claim or weekly certification issues, email pua.hotline@dol.guam.gov.

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Power rate parity urged for apartment and condo residents

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 04:27:25 +0000

Senator Telo Taitague and Senator Clynt Ridgell, the Power and Energy Utilities Committee Chairperson, sent a letter Monday requesting the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to determine whether the Guam Power Authority’s (GPA) proposed condominium rate schedule brings parity to residents in multifamily accommodations.

Moreover, the senators have asked the PUC to require GPA to develop a new rate schedule in the event the PUC finds that the proposed condominium rate schedule fails to treat residents in multifamily accommodations in the same manner as residents in single-family homes.

Senators Taitague and Ridgell authored Bill 37 during the 35th Guam Legislature requiring GPA to establish comparable residential rates for customers residing in multifamily buildings – including a process to bill customers for common areas such as swimming pools, elevators, and lighting in garage parking structures.

Bill 37 was set aside following a public hearing held on the bill in March of 2019 and after its sponsors – together with representatives of the Guam Association of Realtors – formally requested the PUC to create a new rate schedule for residential multifamily accommodations. The PUC conducted public meetings on the request in 2019 and directed GPA to conduct a rate study which was completed in 2020. Public hearings on the proposed condominium rate schedule were delayed until January 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Based on information presented during the first PUC public hearing held on January 13, 2021, it was noted that an existing multifamily unit customer under Rate Schedule P (Large Power Service) with 220 units billed at $33,967.57 in one month, would be charged $30,527.35 under the proposed Rate Schedule D (Condominium) – a difference of $3,440.22.

In a separate sample billing involving a multifamily unit customer under Rate Schedule J (General Service – Demand) with 22 units billed at $8,357.24 in one month, this customer would be charged $8,247.38 under the proposed Rate Schedule D – a difference of $109.85. Unfortunately, residents in apartments and condominiums continue to subsidize other GPA customers.

“Based on GPA’s presentation and response to questions raised at public hearings held recently on GPA Docket 20-10, we believe the condominium rate schedule does little to close the gap between rates charged to residential customers in single-family homes and rates established for the same group of customers residing in multifamily buildings,” wrote Senators Taitague and Ridgell.

“As the Government of Guam entity authorized to establish and modify from time to time, reasonable rates and charges for utilities, it is important for the PUC to recognize that there are many working families who have no choice but to live in apartments or condominiums because the price of land and a single-family home is well beyond their reach.”

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Reintroduced bill would add Guam to the Nurse Licensure Compact

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 04:05:23 +0000

The Committee on General Government Operations, Appropriations, and Housing has scheduled a Public Hearing for Bill No. 13-36 (COR) next Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 9:00 AM.

The re-introduced measure, which is authored by Senator Mary Camacho Torres, and co-sponsored by Vice Speaker Tina Rose Muña Barnes and Senator Amanda L. Shelton, would add Guam to the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)—making it easier for nurses in other NLC states to practice on Guam.

“I introduced this measure in 2019 to address what had already been a persistent problem on our island,” said Torres. “Since then, Guam has been embroiled in a pandemic that has only underscored how strained our healthcare system is.”

If enacted, Bill 13 would further enable nurses in other compact states to provide telehealth services to patients, as well as allow nurses to immediately cross state borders and provide vital services on Guam in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency, without the need to wait for an emergency declaration.

Under the NLC, members would also have access to a shared database containing the licensure, work, and disciplinary history of each compact nurse. This includes ongoing investigations that are not included in current databases utilized by the Guam Board of Nurse Examiners.

“While there are clear benefits to enacting this policy, the truth is that we introduced Bill 13 simply because our nurses asked us to,” said Torres. “I thank Chairman San Agustin for listening to the community and urge our nurses to make their voices heard once more at this Public Hearing.”

The hearing will be conducted in the public hearing room at the Guam Congress Building in Hagatña. Members of the public are encouraged to submit their testimony to the Committee on Appropriations at senatorjoessanagustin@gmail.com or to the Office of Senator Mary Camacho Torres at senatormary@guamlegislature.org.

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Jury finds man guilty of rape of a child who considered him a father figure

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 01:54:00 +0000

David James Cruz, 40, has been found guilty of raping a child multiple times starting when she was 12.

FSM eyeing minimum wage increase for government employees

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:33:33 +0000

FSM President David W. Panuelo has endorsed Congressional Bill 21-04, which would increase the salaries of all public servants working for the FSM National Government by eight percent.

“Public servants deserve to be appropriately compensated for their hard work,” Panuelo said in a statement.

Panuelo added: “Too many FSM citizens, even before the COVID-19 Pandemic, have found it difficult to meet their needs for food, power and water utilities, healthcare, and housing expenses. When even our own Government’s employees opt out of Government healthcare programs because they cannot afford both healthcare and food, or when citizens must choose between a sack of rice for their family or shoes for their children, it suggests that our Nation’s wealth inequality remains as much of an existential threat to our continued sovereignty and wellbeing as Climate Change.”

He is also calling the State Governments of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae to support increasing their respective minimum wages.

“The minimum wage in Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae is too low for citizens to live on,” President Panuelo said. “Hardworking citizens who put in their eighty hours every two weeks often find themselves with paychecks totaling one hundred dollars or less. It’s unsustainable for our Nation’s future, and drives our most talented from leaving our shores to the United States where I am increasingly hearing calls for a minimum wage of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per hour,” he said.

He added: “While I am sure the FSM’s public and private sectors cannot afford a minimum wage of $15.00 an hour, I call on our State Governments of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae to consider increasing their respective minimum wages.”

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Police investigate fatal shooting in Dededo

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 22:32:00 +0000

A man was shot at a Dededo home and later succumbed to his injuries, according to the Guam Police Department.

GPD investigating shooting incident in Dededo

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 22:13:56 +0000

On Sunday, January 24, 2021, shortly before 9:30 pm, officers assigned to the Dededo Precinct Command responded to a shooting incident that occurred at a home along Route 28 Y Sengsong Road in Dededo.

A man was immediately transported to Guam Regional Medical City for treatment and care for injuries he had sustained. He later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by attending physicians.

Detectives from GPD’S Criminal Investigation Division were activated and have assumed the case as a person of interest has been identified and is being interviewed at this time.

This case is developing.

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Online scheduling available for vaccines this week

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 19:41:34 +0000

The Guam National Guard (GUNG), in partnership with the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) and the University of Guam (UOG), will hold daily COVID-19 vaccination clinics starting Tuesday, January 26 to Saturday, January 30, 2021.

These will be held at the UOG Fieldhouse from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

These clinics are open to the public for Phase 1c (individuals 60 years and older) in need of their first or second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Residents are advised to schedule an appointment online via Eventbrite. Click here to schedule.

The URL to schedule is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-covid-19-vaccine-pfizer-at-uog-field-house-60-years-and-above-tickets-138035135807

A total of 75 slots are available per hour. Up to 60 appointments can be scheduled per hour online with remaining slots to be used for walk-ins.

Please show your appointment ticket on your electronic device or print-out at check-in. Bring a photo ID. Those due for their second dose are reminded to bring their COVID-19 immunization card. This ensures quicker processing and proper documentation.

Also, Public Health will continue its COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Southern Region Community Health Center in Inarajan and at Okkodo High School in Dededo.

The vaccination clinics at both locations will be held Monday, January 25 and Tuesday, January 26, starting at 8:30 a.m. for Phase 1c (individuals 60 years and older) to receive Pfizer-BioNTech Dose One.

DPHSS will issue up to 250 tickets at SRCHC per day for vaccinations on a first-come, first-served basis to patients in their vehicles only. Patient Parking Instructions will be printed on the back of each ticket.

For the Okkodo clinic, DPHSS will issue vaccination tickets on a first-come, first-served basis to patients in their vehicles only. Patient Parking Instructions will be printed on the back of each ticket.

For the vaccination clinics at both locations, please bring a photo ID.

Vaccination Clinic Schedule for adults 60 years and older for dose 1
Date	Time	Location	Phase	Criteria
Monday, January 25 Tuesday, January 26	8:30 a.m.	DPHSS Southern Region Community Health Center, Inarajan	1c	Adults 60 years and older
Monday, January 25 Tuesday, January 26		Okkodo High School, Dededo

Pre-screening Eligibility Vaccinations

To take the COVID-19 vaccine, you must meet the following pre-screening eligibility criteria*:

Must not be currently infected with COVID-19, or previously exposed within the last 14 days
Must not have received any other vaccine, such as the flu shot, in the last 14 days

*Please note: If this is your first time receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, please make sure you have never taken other COVID-19 vaccine products. Please visit dphss.guam.gov to view the pre-screening eligibility.

V-Safe Vaccine Symptom Monitoring
Individuals who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to register for the tool called v-safe, offered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). V-safe is a smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Through v-safe, you can quickly tell CDC if you have any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Depending on your answers, someone from CDC may call to check on you. V-safe will remind you to get your second COVID-19 vaccine dose if you need one. Sign up for v-safe with your smartphone’s browser athttps://vsafe.cdc.gov.

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FEMA accepting applications for Youth Preparedness Council

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +0000

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is accepting applications for its 2021 Youth Preparedness Council.

Voluntary GPD vaccinations nearly complete

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Close to 130 police officers, administrators and staff of the Guam Police Department have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Krystal Paco-San Agustin, the governor's communications director, said on Friday.

Airmen help prepare Oceanview Middle School for students

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Senators offer mixed stance on delaying minimum wage increase

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +0000

While local officials have been discussing ways to support local businesses and what's needed to resuscitate Guam's economy, there's been some division on the minimum wage increase – one issue that some in the business community have said would hurt…

Delay on Ukudu plant could cost GPA $14M

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Delays in the completion of the new power plant in Ukudu may cost the Guam Power Authority $14 million in insurance proceeds in order to convert an existing power plant to use ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel to meet federal emissions standards.

Port: Survey shows employee morale is at an 'all-time high'

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +0000

A recent Port Authority of Guam survey shows high morale, job satisfaction and support for management among employees, the Port announced Sunday in a press release.

Rev & Tax to reopen with limited hours

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +0000

The Department of Revenue and Taxation will be open for limited hours beginning today.

Archdiocese to take part in nationwide anti-abortion event

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +0000

The Archdiocese of Agana will show solidarity with Catholics across the nation in peaceful, prayerful opposition to abortion with churches of the archdiocese celebrating Masses at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, the archdiocese stated in a press release.

No new cases of COVID-19 out of 103 tested; CAR score 0.9

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 11:24:02 +0000

No new cases of COVID-19 were identified out of 103 tests performed on Saturday, January 23.

To date, there have been a total of 7,547 officially reported cases of COVID-19 with 128 deaths, 126 cases in active isolation, and 7,293 not in active isolation.

TODAY’S CAR SCORE

0.9

The COVID Area Risk (CAR) Score will be recalculated once reports from all participating labs are up to date. The CAR Score accounts for the incidence of new cases, how well current testing identifies these cases, and the rate of spread. The ideal long-term goal is to sustain a CAR Score of 2.5 or less, which has been shown to correlate with very low to zero COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths.

The following tables provide COVID-19 test results reported to the Joint Information Center (JIC) on Sunday, January 24, and reflect results from Saturday, January 23:

COVID-19 CASE COUNT	TOTAL	NEW CASES REPORTED TODAY	PAST 7 DAYS
COVID-19 CASES:	7,547	0	N/A
CONFIRMED CASES:	7,340	0	N/A
PROBABLE CASES:	207	0	N/A

COVID HOSPITAL CENSUS	Guam Memorial Hospital	Guam Regional Medical City	U.S. Naval Hospital	TOTAL
COVID ADMISSION	10	1	0	11
IN ICU	3	0	0	3
ON VENTILATOR	3	0	0	3

The following provides COVID-19 vaccinations reported to the JIC on Sunday, January 24 for vaccinations administered from December 17 to January 21:

Vaccine Maker	Total Doses Administered	1st Doses Administered	2nd Doses Administered	Individuals Fully Immunized
Pfizer-BioNTech	13,339	8,868	4,471*	4,471
Moderna	4,281	4,281**	Due in February	0
TOTALS:	17,620	13,149	4,471	4,471

*Administering second doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccinations began on January 4, 2021.

**Administering first doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations began on January 8, 2021.

(JIC Release No. 547)

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Former Guam resident gaining buzz in California for using art to uplift kids

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 09:39:08 +0000

A former Guam resident is gaining buzz in her California neighborhood for using art to uplift kids.

At first, no one knew who was leaving art doodles in San Carlos Park. It wasn’t until one of the members posted on the neighborhood chat that the attention of another member who works for the local news station was caught.

Former Simon Sanchez high school counselor Nancy Dulay, who now owns her own face painting business called Fancy Nancy Faces, was walking her dog at her neighborhood park in San Carlos when she decided, right then and there, to draw something.

Inspired by a fellow face painter who drew the Christmas cartoon character the Grinch on a window, Dulat drew the same character on the park grounds using chalk.

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“I was going to color it in and then I thought I saw the kids playing. So instead, I left it there for them to draw or to color in and I put a little “Color Me” note next to it and then I put it up in one of the Facebook neighborhood groups, letting them know what I did and I asked if they had any requests and I started getting requests,” Dulay said.

She added: “Because so many people were interested and I realized how much chalk was going to end up costing and I did the drawings everywhere, I started contacting some of my old clients, a lot of them corporate, and they were more than willing to donate chalk and it just kind of grew from there.”

From her post, Dulay was then contacted by CBS8 news. Dulay posted the article on her social media accounts and her friends posted it on theirs.

“They thought it was cool. The weirdest part was that I’m getting chalk sent to me from strangers or messaging me and asking me where they can donate which is really, really sweet. I love that because they just want to do something nice and lets me leave extra chalk for the kids. But probably the coolest response would be that of my nephew back home. He actually … you know teenagers, they don’t think we’re cool anymore … and I got a text from him saying, ‘This is so cool Auntie!’,” Dulay said.

Unfortunately, due to the rising number of COVID-19 positive cases in Southern California, she had to put a pause on drawings for the safety of the kids.

When the numbers start to decrease, Dulay says she will go back out and draw again.

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Bill to repair Southern High auditorium now law

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 08:27:52 +0000

Bill 269-35, which proposes a public-private partnership (PPP) to repair and rehabilitate the Southern High School Auditorium is now Public Law 35-143. The measure was unanimously passed in December by lawmakers of the 35th Guam Legislature. Because of the government’s tight finances, an “outside the box” effort was sought out.

PL 35-143 would authorize tax credits in the amount of $500,000 a year for no more than two years for those businesses that contribute towards the repairs of the air conditioning and rehabilitation of the facility. For every dollar, an entity provides, they attain an equal amount in credits towards their Business Privilege Taxes. This “interest free loan” represents a similar program that has repaired other public facilities, with the Harmon Industrial Park Roadway being the most recent.

The Southern High School Auditorium is a state-of-the-art facility that has unfortunately deteriorated over the years, and thus their doors have remained closed. This “Beacon of the South” can provide many educational and cultural benefits for students, not only of the school, but throughout the island. A repaired facility also has the opportunity of generating revenue for its many usages, including theater, art, and music.

“I would like to thank my colleagues of the 35th Guam Legislature for their support of this vital measure, and Governor Leon Guerrero for enacting Bill 269-35 into law. I would also like to extend an appreciation to Principal Michael Meno, Assistant Principal Darlene Roberto, and Southern High Educator, Ms. Chloe Dydasco, for initially raising this issue back in 2019, and sharing the importance of the facility,” stated Senator Moylan. “Of course, the work is far from over, as now we are in the phase of seeking private contributors, of which my office will certainly assist in any capacity we are able to, to ensure that the objectives of this mandate are accomplished,” added Senator Moylan.

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DRT to offer limited walk-in services starting Monday; but appointments still serviced

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 07:37:14 +0000

In line with EO 2021-01, the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation (DRT) will begin to offer LIMITED walk-in services for a limited number of walk-ins for certain branches at the Barrigada Main Office beginning on Monday, January 25, 2021. Appointments will continue to be serviced as scheduled.

Limited Walk-In Schedule as follows until further notice:
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

*Vehicle Registration Services – NOT Available
8 AM to 9 AM Manamko (Senior Citizens) / Individuals with disabilities / Veterans
9 AM to Noon General Public
Thursday and Friday
*Driver’s Licenses Services – NOT Available
8 AM to 9 AM Manamko (Senior Citizens) / Individuals with disabilities / Veterans
9 AM to Noon General Public

Services operating by Appointment Only until further notice:
1. Passport Office
Customers can expect delays and are encouraged to bring their umbrellas, snacks, and other necessary items needed. To be processed in a timely manner, ensure applications and required documents are filled out and complete.

DRT has implemented the following procedures relating to its services:

= All individuals must remain in their vehicles when they arrive whether for appointments or for walk-in service until they have been notified by DRT personnel that they are clear to enter the DRT building.

= All individuals will be required to sign in at their designated check-in station and must provide the following information as required by Department of Public Health and Social Services’ (DPHSS) guidance: a) Date and time of the visit; b) Name of the individual(s); c) Assigned staff and/or table or workstation; and d) Phone and/or e-mail.

To the extent available, DRT highly encourages that all payments and forms be made and filed online otherwise certain forms and non-cash payments are accepted by mail and drop box.

Meanwhile, DRT has released its tenth set of guidance for its DRT COVID-19 Services Series to update previously issued volumes in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order No. 2021-01, relative to declaring Pandemic Condition of Readiness 2.

To read the latest DRT Volume 10 – COVID-19 Services Series as of January 24, 2021, click on the PDF below.

2021 DRT COVID-19 Services Series Volume 10 - 2021.01.24 Final PDF

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Port survey shows high morale and support for management

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 01:53:22 +0000

Port Authority of Guam employees were invited to anonymously speak their truths in an organizational survey and the results are in showing high employee morale, job satisfaction and support for management.

The organizational climate survey was conducted earlier this month by the agency’s Human Resources, Planning, and Marketing Divisions. Employees were encouraged to anonymously take the survey and 317 out of 356 employees submitted a response which is an 89 percent response rate.

“Last year was a tough year for everyone so we wanted to gauge the relationship between the Port organization and its employees to determine if we are moving in a better direction as an agency,” said Port General Manager Rory J. Respicio. “The survey provided employees an opportunity to anonymously rate different levels of our agency as it assessed what they value most in their employment and provided them an opportunity to make positive suggestions for improvement.”

The results showed overwhelmingly positive results in the areas of job satisfaction and revealed that employees believe that morale is at an all-time high. The survey showed that 99% felt positive that they are proud to work for the Port Authority of Guam and that 97% felt positive that management is accessible and approachable. An amazing 98% of all employees who took the survey felt positive that management has an open-door policy and that the Port is a great place to work. Results showed that 91% felt positive that management is fair, 93% were positive that management was transparent and 92% were positive that management is accountable.

With regards to the situation involving COVID-19, 94% felt positive that management made their work environment a safe place to be during the COVID-19 Pandemic and 96% felt positive that management kept them well informed. The results showed that 94% felt positive that management made it clear to them that they cared about their safety and wellbeing during the COVID-19 Pandemic and 93% felt positive that management provided them the resources they needed to safely do their jobs.

On the topic of career development, 91% felt that superiors share their knowledge and skills on how to handle situations while 81% felt that training opportunities were provided to everyone and 89% felt positive that promotional opportunities were available to them.

When surveyed about Communication, 91% felt positive that their supervisors provide clarification and guidance on the job and 93% felt that management provides them with regular updates on current events and advisories. Results showed that 88% felt their supervisor communicates frequently and honestly about issues that may affect them and that management supports two-way communication between managers and employees.

Employee relations were also a focus of the survey and 90% felt positive that Port Authority employees have a good relationship with each other and 93% felt they were able to approach their supervisor if I they have a problem. Meanwhile, 91% felt positive that they could go to management if they had a problem and 92% said their co-workers are always willing to help each other.

Teamwork at the Port also got high remarks as 97% of the employees felt positive that they make an effort to be a part of the team, 92% positively said they support Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and the Port’s Board of Directors’ vision for the Port and 91% believed that in their departments they work as a team.

“I want to thank the employees who took this survey as an 89% response rate is pretty amazing,” Respicio said. “We are very pleased with the results of this survey. It validates that we’re doing the right things and making considerable progress here while increasing morale as well as openness and transparency.”

Respicio said the port plans to conduct these anonymous climate surveys on a yearly basis.

(Port Authority of Guam News Release)

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Biden signs executive orders on stimulus checks, increased food stamps and minimum wage

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 01:25:28 +0000

President Joe Biden has signed a pair of executive orders aimed at expanding food assistance for tens of millions of Americans and launch a process that will require federal contractors to pay their workers a $15 minimum wage and provide emergency paid leave.

The moves come on Biden’s first week in office and continue a string of executive actions he’s taken to jumpstart his agenda and set the tone for his administration amid a COVID-19 pandemic that has left families struggling economically.

“We’re at a precarious moment in our economy. We saw again today 900,000 new claims for unemployment insurance, another week at a level above any week during the Great Recession,” White House National Economic Director Brian Deese said on a call Thursday night previewing the orders. “More than …10 million Americans are out of work, 14 million Americans are behind on their rent and nearly 30 million adults and as many as 12 million children are experiencing food insecurity.”

Biden signed an executive order that will expand protections for federal workers, including putting federal agencies on a path to require a $15 minimum wage for contractors.

But that minimum wage won’t come right away. Instead, Biden plans to direct the federal government “to start the work that would allow him to issue” an order “within the first 100 days” that would require federal contractors to pay at least $15 per hour, according to the White House.

The eventual executive action would also provide emergency paid leave to workers, the White House said.

The order will also restore collective bargaining power and other protections to workers by revoking several of former President Donald Trump’s executive orders.

The actions echo policy steps Biden advocated on the campaign trail, and were included in the joint recommendations from the Biden-Sanders unity task forces created shortly after Biden secured Sen. Bernie Sanders’ endorsement in the 2020 race.

It will also reverse a move Trump made in October to reclassify a portion of federal workers in a way that made them easier to fire by the politically appointed leaders of agencies, the White House said. The order will eliminate “Schedule F,” the name of the classification that Trump’s order created.

An additional order asks various agencies to take action during the pandemic to increase federal food assistance programs, and assist families in receiving economic aid they qualify for during the pandemic.

Biden’s executive order would address the 29 million Americans struggling with hunger by asking the Department of Agriculture to expand food assistance for school children missing meals due to school closures by 15%, increase emergency SNAP benefits to the lowest income homes in the country and revise the amount of benefits provided by the program to better cover the cost of a healthy diet, according to the White House.

Biden will also ask the Treasury Department to ensure all Americans receive their direct stimulus payments by creating an online tool to allow recipients to claim the payment, and ask the Department of Labor to clarify rules for federal workers to allow them to apply for unemployment insurance if they refuse a job due to health concerns.

The order will set up coordinated benefit delivery teams to work with small businesses and workers to navigate how to receive benefits available to them through state and federal resources as well.

Deese stressed that the actions would offer some assistance, but were far from comprehensive, urging Congress to pass Biden’s ambitious $1.9 trillion COVID stimulus package he introduced last week.

“We hope that Congress will move quickly to consider this important plant,” he said. “But … the American people can’t afford to wait. And so many are hanging by a thread, they need help, and we are committed to doing everything we can to provide that help as quickly as possible.”

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No new cases of COVID-19 out of 151 tested; CAR score 0.9

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 00:52:45 +0000

No new cases of COVID-19 were identified out of 151 tests performed on Friday, January 22.

To date, there have been a total of 7,547 officially reported cases of COVID-19 with 128 deaths, 126 cases in active isolation, and 7,293 not in active isolation.

TODAY’S CAR SCORE

0.9

The following tables provide COVID-19 test results reported to the Joint Information Center (JIC) on Saturday, January 23 and reflects results from Friday, January 22:

COVID-19 CASE COUNT	TOTAL	NEW CASES REPORTED TODAY	PAST 7 DAYS
COVID-19 CASES:	7,547	0	N/A
CONFIRMED CASES:	7,340	0	N/A
PROBABLE CASES:	207	0	N/A

COVID HOSPITAL CENSUS	Guam Memorial Hospital	Guam Regional Medical City	U.S. Naval Hospital	TOTAL
COVID ADMISSION	9	2	0	11
IN ICU	3	0	0	3
ON VENTILATOR	3	0	0	3

The following provides COVID-19 vaccinations reported to the JIC on Friday, January 22 for vaccinations administered from December 17 to January 21:

Vaccine Maker	Total Doses Administered	1st Doses Administered	2nd Doses Administered	Individuals Fully Immunized
Pfizer-BioNTech	13,339	8,868	4,471*	4,471
Moderna	4,281	4,281**	Due in February	0
TOTALS:	17,620	13,149	4,471	4,471

*Administering second doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccinations began on January 4, 2021.

**Administering first doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations began on January 8, 2021.

(JIC Release No. 546)

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GEDA grant awards to pandemic-hit businesses top $21M