JIC RELEASE NO. 596 - Results: One of 431 Test Positive for COVID-19;Guam Receives 1,300 Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 Vaccines;VAPPC Expands Vaccination Eligibility to 50 Years and Older, Prison Population;COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule for Homebound

Results: One New Case of COVID-19
One (1) new case of COVID-19 was identified out of 431 tests performed on Monday, March 8. 

To date, there have been a total of 7,752 officially reported cases of COVID-19 with 133 deaths, 21 cases in active isolation, and 7,598 not in active isolation.

1The COVID Area Risk (CAR) Score accounts for the incidence of new cases, how well current testing identifies these cases, and the rate of spread. The ideal long-term goal is to sustain a CAR Score of 2.5 or less, which has been shown to correlate with very low to zero COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths. 

The following tables provide COVID-19 test results reported to the JIC on Tuesday, March 9, and reflects results from Monday, March 8:

The following provides preliminary COVID-19 vaccinations reported to the JIC on Tuesday, March 9, for vaccinations administered from December 17 to March 8:

*Administering second doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccinations began on January 4, 2021.

**Administering first doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations began on January 8, 2021.

***Administering second doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations began on January 29, 2021.

^As of March 8, 2021. Total doses administered and allotted doses differ as vaccinators were able to draw additional doses per vial. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s February 25, 2021 revision of their Fact Sheet relative to the Pfizer-BioNTech Emergency Use Authorization now states “After dilution, one vial contains 6 doses of 0.3 mL. Vial labels and cartons may state that after dilution, a vial contains 5 doses of 0.3 mL. The information in this Fact Sheet regarding the number of doses per vial after dilution supersedes the number of doses stated on vial labels and cartons.” | ^^Reflects the previous allocation total of 86,560 and last received allocation of 1,300 Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccines on March 8, 2021.

Guam Receives 1,300 Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 Vaccines
On March 8, DPHSS received 1,300 doses of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen (J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine after placing the order on March 2. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the J&J/Janssen vaccine on February 27. According to the CDC, the J&J/Janssen vaccine is a single-dose viral vector vaccine that is administered intramuscularly in deltoid muscle in adults 18 years of age or older. 

VAPPC Expands Vaccination Eligibility to 50 Years and Older, Prison Population
During their weekly virtual meeting today, the Vaccine and Antiviral Prioritization Policy Committee (VAPPC) has officially approved the expansion of eligibility of the COVID-19 vaccine to adults age 50 and older effective Monday, March 15. The VAPPC also officially expanded eligibility of the COVID-19 vaccine to the prison population as wards of the state, effective immediately. 

Members also discussed options for administering the J&J/Janssen vaccine and agreed to prioritize the single-dose vaccine for the homeless population, homebound, and registered participants of the Adult Day Care and Senior Citizen Center programs.

Although no additional action was taken, members acknowledged requests to add the following to vaccination eligibility: employees in financial institutions, food and beverage employees, first line food suppliers, instructors in non-academic settings, media, and teams representing Guam in international competition. These discussions were tabled to the VAPPC’s next meeting, which is tentatively scheduled for Monday, March 15.

COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Clinics Continue Through March 13 at UOG Fieldhouse
COVID-19 mass vaccination clinics continue through Saturday, March 13, 2021, at the UOG Fieldhouse. Clinics are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will only accept those due for their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. Eligible residents are advised to schedule an appointment online via Eventbrite at the link provided above or click here. 

If scheduling an appointment is not possible, walk-ins will be accepted at a limited rate of 15 per hour. Walk-ins wishing to avoid longer wait times are discouraged from lining up prior to the 10 a.m. opening, and are asked to expect reasonable delays.

No first doses of either vaccine will be administered. Clinics administering first doses are scheduled to start Tuesday, March 16.

Upon arrival, individuals 70 years and older will be sent to the front of the line. Please bring a digital or hard copy appointment confirmation, a photo ID, and proof of Guam residency (Guam Driver's License, Guam ID, Green Card, US or FSM Passport, H1B or H2B visas for skilled workers). Those due for their second dose are reminded to bring their COVID-19 immunization card. This ensures quicker processing and proper documentation.

Short-term deferral of the second dose will not decrease the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine, nor will affected individuals be required to restart the vaccination series. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the second dose should be administered as close to the recommended interval as possible. The CDC further states that if it is not feasible to adhere to the recommended interval and a delay in vaccination is unavoidable, the second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines may be administered up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose.

Homebound Vaccinations Continue March 10-12
DPHSS, in partnership with MCOG, continues homebound vaccinations for those who pre-registered with their respective village mayors and met the eligibility criteria. Homebound vaccinations are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the following villages and locations: Wednesday, March 10 in Inarajan, Talofofo, Yona, and Barrigada; Thursday, March 11 in Agaña Heights and Hagåtña; and Friday, March 12 in Agat, Chalan Pago, Sinajana, Piti, Asan, Dededo, and the Adult Day Care Center.

DOE Division of Food Nutrition Helpline
The Department of Education Division of Food Nutrition Service would like the public to contact them if there are any concerns with the Grab and Go (GNG) Meals. Patrons may call 475-6760 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday or send an email to FNSMD-LEA@gdoe.net.

The GNG meals are to be consumed by the Friday of the week it was distributed for (i.e., If meals are distributed on February 19, they are to be consumed by Friday, February 26). This is to ensure optimal safety with food consumption for children 0-18 years.

Please note the GNG meals must not be stored for longer than one week from the day it was distributed and received. Please be advised the GNG meals are intended to be consumed by children between 0-18 years old and NOT to be sold, traded, or used in lieu of payment for any reason whatsoever.

GBHWC Crisis Hotline
The Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) has a Crisis Hotline available 24/7 at (671) 647-8833/4. For those feeling anxious, stressed, overwhelmed or are needing to talk to someone, GBHWC has experienced providers available and ready to assist the community with any heightened stress and anxiety experienced as a result of COVID-19.

For the latest information on COVID-19, visit dphss.guam.gov or guamrecovery.com. For inquiries on COVID-19, contact 311 through a local number, or call the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.