Guam has recorded its highest number of Covid-19 cases in a day, including two deaths.
There were 136 new cases reported on Wednesday along with the eighth and ninth Covid-related deaths.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The deaths included a 62 year old female nurse who was hospitalised on 10 July, and a 61 year old man who was admitted to Guam Memorial Hospital on 14 August.
The Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said both had existing comorbidities that were further complicated by the coronavirus.
"Reporting deaths is never easy, and these passings, which happened only five minutes apart, have been especially difficult."
Guerrero extended her condolences to the families and friends of those who had died.
"I know words are not always enough, but to the people they loved, [First Gentleman] Jeff , Lieutenant Governor Josh [Tenorio] and I extend our condolences and our sympathies."
The total confirmed positive cases in the US territory is now 1,120.
There are 26 people in hospital with the coronavirus including four in intensive care.
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero announces spike in cases and subsequent restrictions Photo: Governor's Office
Governor appeals for people to stay home
The governor warned the situation showed people needed to adhere to government health advice.
"The families who have suffered immense loss know just how painful this virus can be.
"This is why I am strongly adamant that the stay-at-home-order remains in effect."
Guerrero said if Guam did not commit to the order, she was afraid there would be more rough days ahead.
"To the people of Guam, as your Governor, your health and safety remain my number one priority.
"To protect our community, I am asking you to please stay home."
Guerrero appealed as "a nurse, a mother and a grandmother".
"I cannot protect them alone, I need your help. Wear your mask, social distance at least six feet and more importantly, please stay home."
The governor's words came after a small group protested against the lockdown in the streets of Tumon.
A youth pastor, Greg Barnes, said the order had curtailed his right to worship.
As well as crippling the economy, Barnes claimed the lockdown contravened the Bill of Rights.
"Now the government has told us where we can and cannot go, where we have to stay - stay at home - you cannot go to church and worship god as you please.
"So, it's quite ironic that the government that said we will not stop you from doing these things - that's what the Bill of Rights is - now they are saying we are stopping you from doing the same things we told you before that we wouldn't stop you from doing. It's awful.
Barnes said the lockdown was also detrimental to health as it prevented outdoor exercise.
Governor Guerrero indicated the lockdown was likely to be extended beyond Friday but parks and beaches could reopen for individual exercise.
The Tumon tourist district in Hagatna, the capital of Guam. Photo: AFP