In the absence of the legislative authority, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has requested, she announced Friday what she called a “road closure – traffic flow plan” in an effort to restrict travel and keep people at home.
The plan comes as the governor and public health officials push to contain the spread of coronavirus on Guam.
The road closure points will be staffed by the Guam National Guard, who will be backed by the Guam Police Department.
Vehicles will be funneled into one lane, where each car will be stopped and the driver questioned to determine whether they are going to an essential store or business.
If they are not out for an essential purpose, the National Guardsmen will advise the drivers about the importance of social distancing and staying at home.
No fines or penalties will be issued.
The road closure points begin Saturday, at 10 a.m., and will run daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Four road closure points will be set up at the following locations:
- Route 1 in Dededo by Lucky Supply;
- Route 1 in East Hagåtña by the former Shen’s Furniture, now the Oasis Center;
- Route 1 in Asan by the Calvary Chapel, and;
- Route 8 in Barrigada by the Shell Gas Station.
The governor was careful to say that these are not checkpoints.
She said the Attorney General’s Office has given her the authority to do this. She added that she’s still looking for the Legislature to give her the additional power to impose an island curfew for adults, from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Currently, Guam only has a curfew for minors in place.
The Legislative authority would also allow the governor to restrict residents’ travel even further by setting up actual checkpoints and impose fines for anyone violating her stay-at-home orders.
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