JIC RELEASE NO. 946 - Two COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported; COVID-19 Test Results: 770 New Cases, 47 Hospitalized; DPHSS Issues 2021 COVID-19-related Fatalities Report; Additional COVID-19 Updates

Two COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported
Today, the Joint Information Center was notified of two (2) COVID-19-related fatalities:

• The 295th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) on January 31, 2022. The patient was a 73-year-old female, unvaccinated, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on January 28, 2022.

• The 296th COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at the Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) on February 1, 2022. The patient was a 69-year-old male, unvaccinated, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on February 1, 2022. 

“Governor Lou, First Gentleman Jeff, and I offer our sincerest condolences to their friends and families,” said Acting Governor Josh Tenorio. “Once again we are faced with adversities from this pandemic where losses are always one too many. We have come out of this stronger before and I am confident our island can do it again.”

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE.

Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. Seek emergency medical care immediately or call 911 if you have trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or bluish lips or face. Individuals who are sick are advised to:

• Stay home, except to seek medical care. Call ahead before visiting the clinic/doctor.

• Monitor for 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.

Older Adults, People with Serious Chronic Medical Conditions are Most at Risk for Serious Complications and Death Due to SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19
Older adults and individuals with serious chronic medical conditions are most at risk for serious complications and death due to COVID-19. Serious chronic medical conditions include:

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Lung disease

• Obesity

• Immunocompromised conditions (e.g. cancer, lupus)

• Chronic liver disease

• Chronic renal disease

• Neurologic or neurodevelopmental condition

• Current or former smoking

47 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 22 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 201 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 9 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: 770 New Cases of COVID-19 

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 770 new cases of COVID-19 from 2,145 specimens analyzed on February 1, 2022. 80 of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 33,788 officially reported cases, 296 deaths, 6,090 cases in active isolation, and 27,402 not in active isolation.

DPHSS Issues 2021 COVID-19-related Fatalities Report

Today, DPHSS Office of Epidemiology and Research and the COVID-19 Surveillance Unit, in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), issued a report on COVID-19-related fatalities which occurred in 2021. According to the report, a total of 145 COVID-19 related deaths were reported to DPHSS from Guam’s three hospitals in 2021. During the COVID-19 (Delta variant) surge from July 8 to December 31 there were 127 COVID-19 related deaths of which 49 (38.6%) were dead on arrival (DOA), accounting for 98% of all DOAs in 2021. A joint investigation by DPHSS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was launched to assess the common characteristics associated with the transmission and severity of these COVID-19 DOA cases. To view the DPHSS COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Report, CLICK HERE.

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. 

DPHSS continues to support diagnostic testing for COVID-19 but will be prioritizing COVID-19 testing to target individuals with a likelihood of severe disease, hospitalization, or death due to COVID-19. The DPHSS Screening Guide Memorandum further adjusts the criteria for who may get tested for COVID-19.  CLICK HERE to view the guide.

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

COVID-19 Vaccination Support Clinic for Families of Children with Disabilities
COVID-19 vaccination support clinics for families of children with disabilities are available. These clinics will also be open to the community. 

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

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update 
As of February 1, 2022, a total of 133,136 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This total includes 13,204 residents 12 – 17 years old. 6,696 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 4,357 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. An additional 147 residents received their booster shots and a total of 51,569 booster shots have been administered to eligible residents since September 29, 2021.