JIC RELEASE NO. 1065 - ​ 366th COVID-19-related Fatality Reported; DPHSS Issues Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 3; COVID-19 Test Results: 95 New Cases, Nine Hospitalized; Incentives Offered for COVID-19 Vaccination Series Completion and Boosters; Changes to CO

366th COVID-19-related Fatality Reported

Today, the Joint Information Center was notified that Guam’s 366th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Memorial Hospital on June 7, 2022. The patient was a 74-year-old female, fully vaccinated without a booster, with underlying health conditions, who tested positive on May 27. 

“Loss and sadness have yet to cease, and to her family and friends, we send our thoughts and prayers to you in your time of mourning,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “While we may be fatigued in this fight, we must continue to do our part to protect ourselves and those we love. For our elderly and sick, please continue to wear your mask and to all our community members, please stay up-to-date with your vaccinations to ensure the optimum protection from this virus.” 

DPHSS Issues Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 3

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) issued DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 3, relative to guidance for individuals who are suspected or confirmed for having COVID-19. Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 3 updates the community on actions to take if an individual is identified as being infected with COVID-19, or if an individual becomes exposed to someone confirmed with COVID-19. This guidance does not apply to travelers entering into Guam by air or sea. Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 3 offers guidance on:

• Testing for COVID-19, including the use of over the counter (OTC) COVID-19 test kits

• Identifying who should get tested for COVID-19, including symptomatic individuals or individuals considered as close contacts to confirmed COVID-19 cases

• Steps to take if you test positive for COVID-19

• Duration of isolation if you test positive for COVID-19

• Prior COVID-19 infections

• Being identified as a close contact

• Declaration attesting to self-administered OTC tests and clearance from isolation periods

To read DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev.3 in its entirety, CLICK HERE.

Reduce the Risk of Exposure and Spread of COVID-19

• At-risk individuals and older adults should continue wearing face masks in confined, poorly ventilated areas. Older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions are most at risk for serious complications and death due to COVID-19. Serious chronic medical conditions include:

• Get your COVID-19 booster doses after the recommended time has lapsed from your vaccination series completion. 

• Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19 and call 911 if you have trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or bluish lips or face. Individuals who are sick are advised to:

• Stay home, except to seek medical care. Call ahead before visiting the clinic/doctor.

• Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headaches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea and/or diarrhea.

• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19. While waiting for test results, you should stay away from others, including staying apart from those living in your household.

• Report Positive COVID-19 At-home Test Results to DPHSS at dphss.surveillance@dphss.guam.gov. 

• Isolate if you have tested positive for COVID-19. While in isolation:

1. Eat in a separate room or area; use a separate bedroom; use a separate bathroom. If sharing a bathroom, clean and disinfect after each use. 

2. Avoid sharing personal items – dishes, cups/glasses, silverware, towels, bedding or electronics (e.g., cellphone).

3. Wear a face mask.

4. Wash your hands often using soap and water, or hand sanitizer; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

5. Clean and disinfect “high touch” surfaces and items every day (tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, and electronics)

COVID-19 Test Results: 95 New Cases Reported 

Today, DPHSS reported 95 new cases of COVID-19 from 867 specimens analyzed June 6, 2022. 29 of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 49,568 officially reported cases, 366 deaths, 426 cases in active isolation, and 48,776 not in active isolation.

Nine Hospitalized for COVID-19

SPECIAL NOTE: Based on today's data, if we were to compare two (2) hypothetical populations of 100,000 people each, vaccinated versus unvaccinated, there would be 7 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. *Estimated population is based on DPHSS Immunization Program analysis of 2020 Census data. Updates are expected pending further Census 2020 data breakdown.

Incentives Offered for COVID-19 Vaccination Series Completion and Boosters

A program administered by the government of Guam is providing incentives to individuals 12 years of age and older who maintain their COVID-19 vaccinations who are:

• Completing their last dose in primary series; OR

• Receiving 1st Booster Dose; OR

• Receiving 2nd Booster Dose

Eligible residents may choose between IP&E gift certificates for $25 gas at Shell Gas Stations OR $25 at Shell Foody’s Guam stores (alcohol and tobacco items excluded) while supplies last. Gift certificates will only be offered at vaccination clinics at the Northern and Southern Region Community Health Centers, the Agana Shopping Center, and senior citizen outreach clinics. 

Second COVID-19 Booster Doses Available

Second doses of the COVID-19 booster are available to individuals ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. Eligible individuals may receive a second booster dose using an mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the first booster dose.

Adults between the ages of 18 and 49 who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised and who received Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine as both their primary series dose and booster dose may receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the Janssen booster dose. Adults ages 50 years and older could benefit from a second mRNA booster dose as they are at increased risk for severe COVID-19. Adults 50 years and older may receive a second booster dose, if it has been at least 4 months after the first booster dose.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update

As of June 4, 2022, 137,037 eligible residents (5 years and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,036 residents 12 – 17 years old. 8,161 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 6,648 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 60,888 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 6,367 eligible residents have received their second booster shots.

Click here to view DPHSS Guidance Memorandum 2021-16 Rev 03