Department of Public Health and Social Services: Guam enters flu season

The Department of Public Health and Social Services is informing the community, Guam is entering the flu season. “Guam usually enters flu season around the month of September. The flu is a highly contagious viral disease, with symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, chills and body aches,” said DPHSS Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Robert Leon Guererro. DPHSS advises the community to take the following preventative measures. Get a yearly flu vaccine if you're 6 months or older, especially if you're at higher risk (young children, pregnant women, adults 65+, or those with chronic conditions). Consult your healthcare provider for vaccination. To reduce your risk of flu, practice social distancing, avoid close contact with sick individuals, stay home if you're ill, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face. For treatment, consult your healthcare provider and consider antiviral drugs if recommended by the CDC.
KUAM News

Konfitma 2024: Lockdown drills and crisis scenarios for CNMI agencies

The Konfitma 2024 full-scale exercise schedule for Sept. 3 and 4 was announced Thursday by Bernard Villagomez, public information officer of CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and Yvonne Pangelinan, senior director for student support services of the Public School System. Konfitma is a Chamorro word that means “conforming with the plans.” In a press conference, Villagomez said the Konfitma exercise has been a long-standing practice but was “paused” during the Covid-19 pandemic due to social distancing mandates. “The exercise resumed in 2023, and this year, the team is accelerating…efforts to ensure readiness,” he added. “The primary goal of the Konfitma 2024 exercise is to test the capabilities of CNMI agencies in responding to real-world scenarios. This includes collaboration with the Guam National Guard’s 94th Civil Support Team and Wisconsin’s 54th CST. The exercise aims to evaluate whether CNMI government capabilities are sufficient or if federal and Department of Defense assistance would be necessary in future emergencies,” Villagomez said.
Marianas Variety