JIC RELEASE NO. 891 - COVID-19 Test Results: Eight New Cases, Nine Hospitalized; Use of COVID-19 Self-Test Kits Approved by DPHSS; Additional COVID-19 Updates; Food Commodities Distribution Continues

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) remind the community to:

• Stay home if you are ill, except to seek medical care. Call ahead before visiting the clinic/doctor.
• Monitor for flu-like symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headaches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea and/or diarrhea.
• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19. While waiting for test results, you should stay away from others, including staying apart from those living in your household.

Nine 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 5 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 14 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID- 19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 3 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.

COVID-19 Test Results: Eight New Cases of COVID-19
Today, DPHSS reported eight (8) new cases of COVID-19 from 516 tests run on December 14. Three (3) cases were identified through contact tracing. To date, there have been a total of 19,348 officially reported cases, 269 deaths, 270 cases in active isolation, and 18,809 not in active isolation. The CAR Score is 0.5.

Use of COVID-19 Self-Test Kits Approved by DPHSS
As part of efforts by DPHSS to reduce community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, DPHSS has approved the use of self-administered COVID-19 testing. Individuals should use U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)-approved self-administered COVID-19 test kits.

COVID-19 testing is critically important to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Currently DPHSS is implementing a SARS-CoV-19 testing strategy to address changes in our epidemiological situation and increased vaccination rates.

“The approval for the use of COVID-19 self-testing will provide easier access to testing,” said Terry Aguon, Acting DPHSS Director. “Faster test results will make frequent testing more desirable and encourage people to protect themselves and others in the community when they know their COVID-19 status.”

Who May and How to use the COVID-19 Home Test Kits:

1. COVID-19 self-tests can be performed by a person at home or anywhere.

2. All manufacturer instructions for performing the test must be followed.

3. Self-tests can be used by anyone who is symptomatic regardless of their vaccination status.

4. Unvaccinated people without COVID-19 symptoms can also use a home-test kit, especially if they were potentially exposed to someone with COVID-19.

5. Advise your household members and other close contacts to stay home until you receive your confirmed laboratory test result.

If You Test Positive for COVID-19 Using the Home Test: 

1. You must report your result within 24 hours to dphss.surveillance@dphss.guam.gov. Please provide your:

• Full Name

• Date of Birth

• Date of Test

• Results

2. You must isolate at home or at a government isolation facility until cleared using the DPHSS Criteria for Discharging a Person from Isolation. Please refer to section G.

3. Steps to take while in isolation:

1. Eat in a separate room or area; use a separate bedroom; use a separate bathroom. If sharing a bathroom, clean and disinfect after each use. 

2. Avoid sharing personal items – dishes, cups/glasses, silverware, towels, bedding or electronics (e.g., cellphone).

3. Wear a face mask.

4. Wash your hands often using soap and water, or hand sanitizer; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

5. Clean and disinfect “high touch” surfaces and items every day (tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, and electronics)

If self-test result is negative, but you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19:

1. You should get a confirmatory test as soon as possible to confirm your results

2. You should isolate until you receive your confirmed laboratory test result.

3. If you are symptomatic, advise your household members and other close contacts to stay home until you receive your confirmed laboratory test result.

4. If your confirmed laboratory test result is positive, DPHSS’ containment unit or your clinic will notify you of your positive laboratory result.

5. Close contacts should also get tested for COVID-19.

If self-test result is negative and you have NO symptoms and have NOT been exposed to COVID-19: It is less likely that you have COVID-19. You may resume your daily activities while continuing to follow all public health advice.

For more information, please send an email to publichealth@dphss.guam.gov. You can also contact 311, option 1.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update 
As of December 14, a total of 127,745 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This total includes 12,052 residents 12 – 17 years old. 4,176 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 1,636 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. An additional 710 residents received their booster shots and a total of 34,432 booster shots have been administered to eligible residents since September 29, 2021.

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 UOG 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.

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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