JIC RELEASE NO. 1084 - Governor Lou Leon Guerrero Signs Executive Order No. 2022-17; Report Positive COVID-19 At-home Test Results to DPHSS; Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 296 New Cases, 18 Hospitalized; Additional COVID-19 Updates

Governor Leon Guerrero Signs Executive Order No. 2022-17

On July 1, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed Executive Order No. 2022-17, relative to extending the public health emergency. Effective today, the public health emergency declaration is now scheduled to expire on August 4, 2022.

Report Positive COVID-19 At-home Test Results to DPHSS

Report positive COVID-19 at-home and over the counter (OTC) test results to the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) via email: dphss.surveillance@dphss.guam.gov. You must report your positive result within 24 hours and provide the following information:

• Full Name

• Contact Number

• Date of Birth

• Date of Test

• Results

• Test Manufacturer

If you test positive using an OTC test kit, you must isolate at home until cleared using the DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 3 – Section G: Duration of Isolation. While in isolation, take the following steps:

• 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. 

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

• Wear a face mask.

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

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

If at-home test result is negative, but you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19:

• You should get a confirmatory test as soon as possible to confirm your results

• You should isolate until you receive your confirmed laboratory test result.

• If you are symptomatic, advise your household members and other close contacts to stay home until you receive your confirmed laboratory test result.

• If your confirmed laboratory test result is positive, DPHSS’ containment unit or your clinic will notify you of your positive laboratory result.

• Close contacts should also get tested for COVID-19.

If at-home test result is negative and you have NO symptoms and have NOT been exposed to COVID-19:
It is less likely that you have COVID-19. You may resume your daily activities while continuing to follow all public health advice.

Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 296 New Cases Reported 

Today, DPHSS reported 296 new cases of COVID-19 from 3,818 specimens analyzed from tests administered July 1 – 4, 2022:

• July 5: 42 of 891 test positive for COVID-19

• July 4: 23 of 580 test positive for COVID-19

• July 3: 111 of 977 test positive for COVID-19

• July 2: 120 of 1,370 test positive for COVID-19

33 of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 52,363 officially reported cases, 372 deaths, 738 cases in active isolation, and 51,253 not in active isolation.

18 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 10 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 26 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 3 times higher for the unvaccinated as compared to the vaccinated. *Estimated population is based on DPHSS Immunization Program analysis of 2020 Census data. Updates are expected pending further Census 2020 data breakdown.

ASC COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Resumes Operations July 6 

The COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Agana Shopping Center (ASC) second floor will resume operations on Wednesday, July 6. The COVID-19 vaccination clinic at ASC will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – excluding government of Guam holidays. Individuals seeking COVID-19 vaccination at ASC clinic will be serviced on a walk-in basis as registration for appointments will no longer be offered. Last sign-in is at 2:30 p.m. or while supplies last.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 6 Months and Older Available at DPHSS CHCs

On June 17, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of the Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines for use in children down to six months of age.

In most children, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children ages six months through five years will be a two-dose primary series with four to eight weeks between dose one and dose two. In most children, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages six months through four years will be a three-dose primary series three to eight weeks between dose one and dose two, and at least eight weeks between dose two and dose three.

COVID-19 vaccination for individuals ages six months and older are available at the DPHSS Northern Region Community Health Center in Dededo, and the DPHSS Southern Region Community Health Center in Inalåhan.

Requirements for minors to receive the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine:

• Parent/legal guardian must provide minor’s birth certificate

• Parent/legal guardian must have a government-issued photo identification

• Minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

• Guardians must present legal guardianship or power-of-attorney documents

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 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 NRCHC, SRCHC, the Agana Shopping Center, and senior citizen outreach clinics, while supplies last. 

COVID-19 Therapeutic Paxlovid

Earlier this year, DPHSS issued a standing order for a COVID-19 therapeutic called Paxlovid. Paxlovid was given emergency use authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of COVID-19. Treatment is indicated for recently diagnosed COVID-19 patients with mild-moderate symptoms. If you have symptoms or test positive, ask your health care provider within five days of your first symptoms. Prescribing providers are advised to document SARS-CoV-2 viral test (lab-based antigen or PCR), and symptoms of COVID-19 for ≤5 days. Read the standing order for paxlovid HERE.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update

As of July 2, 2022, 137,227 eligible residents (6 months and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,400 residents 12 – 17 years old. 8,529 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of a two dose series. 7,126 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 27 residents 6 months – 4 years old have received their first dose of a two dose series. 62,334 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 9,024 eligible residents have received their second booster shots.