JIC Release NO. 741 - Thirty of 669 Test Positive for COVID-19; Six COVID-19 Cases with Variants of Interest Identified on Guam; Two GFD Firefighters Test Positive for COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Schedule

Results: 30 New Cases of COVID-19
Thirty (30) new cases of COVID-19 were identified out of 669 tests performed on August 3. Six (6) cases were identified through contact tracing. To date, there have been a total of 8,623 officially reported cases of COVID-19 with 143 deaths, 119 cases in active isolation, and 8,361 not in active isolation. The CAR Score is 3.0.

Six COVID-19 Cases with Variants of Interest Identified on Guam
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) received six (6) new results from virus samples collected on Guam, which have undergone genome sequencing by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). DPHSS received the seventh set of results from the CDC. Six (6) of nine (9) samples received were identified as Epsilon Variants of Interest:

• Five (5) B.1.429 (California)
• One (1) B.1.427 (California)

To date, 170 SARS-CoV-2 virus samples have been submitted to the CDC for genome sequencing and identified a total of sixty-three (63) COVID-19 cases infected with VOCs.  DPHSS previously reported VOCs from results from the CDC and identified the following:

• fifty (50) cases identified with the B.1.1.7 Alpha variant 
• eight (8) cases identified with the B.1.429 Epsilon variant 
• three (3) cases identified with the B.1.351 Beta variant
• one (1) case identified with the B.1.617.2 Delta variant 
• one (1) case identified with the  P.1 Gamma variant

DPHSS continues to send samples to the CDC for genome sequencing.

The community is advised to remain vigilant:

• Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Watch your distance. 
• Get vaccinated. Visit dphss.guam.gov/vaccinategu for a complete vaccination schedule. 
• Stay home if you are sick, keep away from others who are sick.
• Keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet from others who are not in your household.
• Practice social distancing around elderly family members.

Two GFD Firefighters Test Positive for COVID-19

Today, a firefighter assigned to the Astumbo Fire Station informed Guam Fire Department’s (GFD) Infection Control Officer that he was contacted by DPHSS contact tracing section that he was listed as a close contact to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. 

The firefighter was tested at the Tamuning Fire Station A second firefighter, who had contact with the first firefighter, tested positive for COVID-19. Both firefighters were tested using the Abbott ID Now machine where the results came back positive for COVID-19, and both received positive results through confirmatory PCR tests performed by DPHSS.

Out of an abundance of caution, the remaining personnel assigned to the Astumbo Fire Station have been placed on cohort, pending testing. A thorough decontamination of all common areas, including the official vehicle, were performed at the Astumbo Fire Station, Dededo. Personnel were reminded to continue strict adherence to the safety directives, to include the wearing of masks and social distancing both on and off duty, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule 

COVID-19 vaccination clinics continue at the locations and times below. Bring a photo ID. Those due for their second dose are reminded to bring their COVID-19 immunization card. To view the complete schedule of COVID-19 vaccination clinics, visit dphss.guam.gov/vaccinategu. 

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and provide government-issued identification to validate age. Minor’s birth certificate is acceptable. Parent/legal guardian must have a government-issued ID. Guardians must also present legal guardianship or power-of-attorney document.

Free COVID-19 Testing Schedule

COVID-19 community testing continues from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Tuesday at the old carnival grounds in Tiyan, Barrigada. No symptoms are needed to qualify for testing. Bring a photo ID. Results available onsite. Testing for travel purposes will not be conducted at these community testing sites. Call the DPHSS Northern Region Community Health Center at (671) 635-7525/6 to schedule an appointment for COVID-19 testing for travel. Priority is given to patients under investigation, identified close contacts, and those traveling for medical purposes. Only four (4) people per vehicle are allowed to be tested. 

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.