JIC RELEASE NO. 889 - Two COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported; Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 17 New Cases, Four Hospitalized; Additional COVID-19 Updates; Food Commodities Distribution Continues

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

• The 268th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City on December 7, 2021. The patient was an 83-year-old female, unvaccinated, with underlying health conditions. She tested positive on November 7, 2021.
• The 269th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Memorial Hospital on December 9, 2021. The patient was a 44-year-old female, unvaccinated, with underlying health conditions. She tested positive on December 4, 2021.

“With any amount of reprieve during this pandemic, the harsh reality is we will still suffer great loss,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “Jeff, Josh, and I send our sympathies to those who loved them and must continue on. With the holidays here, we pray for those who will not be able to celebrate with us, and we are reminded that this fight continues.” 

Four 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 2 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 7 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID- 19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 4 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.

Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 17 New Cases of COVID-19 December 11 – 13

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported four (4) new cases of COVID-19 from 115 specimens analyzed on December 12. An additional 13 cases were also reported today as a result of complete analysis and case submissions from other clinics for preliminary COVID-19 test results reported December 11 – 12. Official case counts for the past weekend results are as follows:

• 14 of 585 test positive for COVID-19 (four cases previously reported on December 11). Six (6) cases were identified through contact tracing.

• 4 of 468 test positive for COVID-19 (one case previously reported on December 12). 

To date, there have been a total of 19,325 officially reported cases, 269 deaths, 268 cases in active isolation, and 18,788 not in active isolation. The CAR Score is 0.5.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update 
As of December 12, a total of 127,485 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This total includes 12,052 residents 12 – 17 years old. 4,023 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 1,463 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 33,044 booster shots have been administered to eligible residents.

COVID-19 Booster Shot Eligibility 
Adolescents 16 and 17 years of age who received a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (first two doses) are eligible for a single booster shot at least 6 months or more after their initial series. At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech booster vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 16 and 17.

UPDATE: Vaccination Clinic to Shift from UOG to GCC Temporarily 
The COVID-19 vaccination clinic, operated by the Guam National Guard, will be held at the Guam Community College Multi-purpose Auditorium on December 17 and 18 and will resume at the University of Guam Field House from December 21 to 23 and December 27 to 30. Walk-ins are accepted, but residents are encouraged to make appointments at tinyurl.com/vaxguam. Due to graduation events, the UOG clinic will not be available from December 16 to 20. 

Requirements for Minors to Receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine:

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

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

• Minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

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

Fill out a COVID-19 Testing Patient Assessment Form ahead of time, available at dphss.guam.gov/covid-19-testing. Individuals waiting for COVID-19 test results must quarantine at home until cleared by DPHSS. Test results are available via email by sending a request to covidresults@dphss.guam.gov

Food Commodities Distribution Continues

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE), State Agency for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Nutrition Service distribution will be available to village constituents only on a first-come, first-served basis. Distribution is limited to three households per vehicle at the sites. Face masks must be worn; bring a photo ID.

The schedule of food commodities to be picked-up by organizations for this week is as follows:

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Treatment Continues

DPHSS, in partnership with the Mayors’ Council of Guam and the Guam National Guard, continues to offer outpatient monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy at the Mangilao Senior Citizens Center in Mangilao. Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 may receive mAb therapy if they meet the eligibility criteria through a referral from their private physician, a COVID-19 community test site, or a hospital. A Pre-Screening Assessment has been developed to guide individuals who may be eligible for mAb treatment. To schedule an appointment, call 671-998-4627 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 671-734-9203 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, CLICK HERE.

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