JIC RELEASE NO. 1098 - Three COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported; COVID-19 Test Results: 191 New Cases, 21 Hospitalized; Additional COVID-19 Updates

Three COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported

Today, the Joint Information Center was notified of three COVID-19-related fatalities:

• The 378th COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) on July 20, 2022. The patient was a 51-year-old male, fully vaccinated with one booster, with underlying health conditions, who tested positive on July 20.

• The 379th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at GRMC on July 22, 2022. The patient was a 54-year-old male, fully vaccinated without a booster, with underlying health conditions, who tested positive on July 18.

• The 380th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at GRMC on July 24, 2022. The patient was a 66-year-old male, without a record of vaccination, with underlying health conditions, who tested positive on July 18.

“Jeff, Josh, and I pray for their families, that they may find comfort in their time of grief. The losses are great and our island mourns with their families in their most difficult time,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “Our community has lost too much to this pandemic. We must get back to basics in order to combat this virus. By doing all we can as individuals, we can build a stronger community. Wear your mask, get vaccinated, stay home if you are sick. The way to keep our most vulnerable loved ones safe is to continue our mitigation measures.”

COVID-19 Test Results: 191 New Cases Reported

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 191 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,620 specimens collected July 26, 2022. Sixteen (16) of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 54,963 officially reported cases, 380 deaths, 958 cases in active isolation, and 53,625 not in active isolation.

21 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 53 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.

DPHSS mAb Treatment Center Open at Paseo Stadium

Bebtelovimab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms) is available at the DPHSS mAb treatment center at the Paseo Stadium in Hagåtña from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 

To schedule treatment at the DPHSS mAb treatment center, patients must call 671-998-4527 or 671-998-4547, have a current, laboratory confirmed COVID–19 infection and a referral from a prescribing physician. For more information about Bebtelovimab and other mAb treatment options on Guam, visit dphss.guam.gov/mab or dial 311 from a local number and select option 1 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

43 Cases with Variants of Concern Identified

Today, DPHSS received 43 new results from virus samples collected on Guam on April 9, 2022 to April 18, 2022, which have undergone genome sequencing by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of the 50 samples sent, 43 were identified as the Omicron Variant of Concern (VOC) and seven were inconclusive. The breakdown is as follows:

43 Omicron (VOC)

• 43 BA.2

To date, 826 SARS-CoV-2 virus samples have been submitted to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Hawaii DOH State Lab Division for genome sequencing and identified a total of 702 samples that detected variants of concern. Of the 826 samples, 751 samples have been sequenced, 65 were determined inconclusive, and 10 are pending results. 

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 is 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

COVID-19 vaccination for individuals ages six months to 4 years of age is NOT available at the  ASC vaccination clinic.

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. 

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update

As of July 26, 2022, 139,448 eligible residents (6 months and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,301 residents 12 – 17 years old. 8,733 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of a two dose series. 7,077 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 84 residents 6 months – 4 years old have received their first dose of a two dose series. 67,102 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 10,749 eligible residents have received their second booster shots.