JIC RELEASE NO. 936 - Two COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported; COVID-19 Test Results: 759 New Cases, 34 Hospitalized; DPHSS to Prioritize Testing Symptomatic Patients, High-Risk Close Contacts; COVID-19 Isolation Clearance Letters Not Required; Additiona

Two COVID-19-related Fatalities Reportedå

Today, the Joint Information Center was notified of two (2) COVID-19-related fatalities which occurred at the Guam Memorial Hospital:

• The 281st COVID-19-related fatality occurred on December 13, 2021. The patient was an 56-year-old male, unvaccinated, with underlying conditions. He tested positive on September 12, 2021.

• The 282nd COVID-19-related fatality occurred on January 8, 2022. The patient was an 84-year-old female, vaccinated, with underlying conditions. She tested positive on November 19, 2021.

“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we report more loved ones lost to this deadly virus. To their family and friends, Governor Lou, First Gentleman Jeff, and I send our deepest sympathies and condolences,” said Acting Governor Josh Tenorio. “Although these times are challenging, we know from experience how to beat this virus–by using all the tools at our disposal. Our people have proven our resilience in the face of adversity time and again. Today is no different.” 

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 need 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. 

34 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 17 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 99 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 6 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: 759 New Cases of COVID-19 

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 759 new cases of COVID-19 from 2,926 specimens analyzed on January 24, 2022. 156 of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 28,628 officially reported cases, 282 deaths, 6,100 cases in active isolation, and 22,246 not in active isolation.

DPHSS to Prioritize Testing Symptomatic Patients, High-Risk Close Contacts

Beginning Wednesday, January 26, 2022, DPHSS and Community Testing Partners will prioritize COVID-19 testing across all DPHSS testing platforms to only symptomatic patients and high-risk close contacts. Due to the high volume of testing in the last several weeks, testing kits and supplies are limited. The criteria for high-risk close contacts are:

• Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated

• Age 65 or older

• Multiple comorbidities or multiple underlying health conditions

• Moderately to severely immunocompromised condition

COVID-19 Isolation Clearance Letters Not Required

The community is reminded that in accordance with DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-16 REV01 (Amendment 01), an isolation clearance letter is not required at the conclusion of the isolation or quarantine period. Although an isolation clearance letter may still be requested, businesses, organizations, and Government of Guam agencies are not required to have employees or staff furnish proof of the conclusion of isolation or quarantine to return to work or school.

Tiyan COVID-19 Outreach Appointment-Based Testing

Community COVID-19 testing at the old carnival grounds in Tiyan, Barrigada has transitioned to an appointment-based system with extended hours. Unscheduled drive-ups will be accepted on a limited basis. For the safety of the community and swabbers, only four (4) adults per vehicle are allowed to be tested. To schedule an appointment, visit tinyurl.com/covidstopswithme. 

Fill out a COVID-19 Testing Patient Assessment Form ahead of time, available at dphss.guam.gov/covid-19-testing. 

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

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.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update 

As of January 24, 2022, a total of 132,494 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This total includes 13,122 residents 12 – 17 years old. 6,364 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 3,969 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. An additional 272 residents received their booster shots and a total of 49,578 booster shots have been administered to eligible residents since September 29, 2021.