JIC RELEASE NO. 1088 - Two COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported; Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 243 New Cases, Eight Hospitalized; SNAP Supplemental Emergency Allotment for July 2022; Additional COVID-19 Updates

Two COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported

The Joint Information Center was notified of two (2) COVID-19-related fatalities:

• The 372nd COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at the Guam Memorial Hospital on July 8, 2022. The patient was a 50-year-old male, unvaccinated, with underlying health conditions, who tested positive on July 8. 

• The 373rd COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City on July 10, 2022. The patient was an 89-year-old female, unvaccinated, with underlying health conditions, who tested positive on July 10. 

“To their families and those who loved them, Jeff, Josh, and I extend our deepest condolences and sympathies in your time of loss and grieving,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “As we push forward with our island’s aggressive recovery efforts, we must continue to incorporate the life saving mitigation measures that brought us to where we are today, most especially vaccinations and boosters. Please do your part to protect yourself, protect your families, and to protect our community.”  

Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 243 New Cases Reported 

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 243 new cases of COVID-19 from 3,351 specimens analyzed from tests administered July 8 – 10, 2022:

• July 11: 24 of 808 test positive for COVID-19

• July 10: 99 of 937 test positive for COVID-19

• July 9: 120 of 1,606 test positive for COVID-19

Thirty-seven (37) of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 53,066 officially reported cases, 373 deaths, 943 cases in active isolation, and 51,750 not in active isolation.

Eight 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 4 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 20 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 5 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

The COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Agana Shopping Center (ASC) second floor is 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

The Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines authorized 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 8, 2022, 137,342 eligible residents (6 months and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,412 residents 12 – 17 years old. 8,537 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of a two dose series. 7,148 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 41 residents 6 months – 4 years old have received their first dose of a two dose series. 66,608 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 9,631 eligible residents have received their second booster shots.

SNAP Supplemental Emergency Allotment for July 2022

The SNAP Supplemental Emergency Allotment for July 2022 will be released on July 22, 2022. The benefits will be electronically loaded into the SNAP recipients’ EBT cards. For more information, contact DPHSS Bureau of Economic Security (BES):

• BES North (Dededo) at 671-635-7488/7484/7439/7396/7429

• BES Central (RAN-Care) at 671-300-8853/8854/8850/8865