JIC RELEASE NO. 949 - COVID-19 Test Results: 762 New Cases, 46 Hospitalized; DPHSS Issues Guidance Memo 2021-27 Rev. 1; COVID-19 Testing Screening Guide Updated to Include Dialysis Patients; Additional COVID-19 Updates

46 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 20 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 215 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 11 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: 762 New Cases of COVID-19 

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 762 new cases of COVID-19 from 2,903 specimens analyzed on February 3, 2022. 63 of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 35,372 officially reported cases, 296 deaths, 6,744 cases in active isolation, and 28,332 not in active isolation.

DPHSS Issues Guidance Memo 2021-27 Rev. 1

Today, DPHSS issued Guidance Memo 2021-27 Rev. 1 to provide updated instruction for the design and implementation of a screening testing program within K-12 Schools, relative to Governor’s Executive Order No. 2021-23 and rescinds Guidance Memo 2021-26.

DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-27 Rev. 1 states that screening testing is part of a layered prevention strategy that involves testing asymptomatic persons without recent known or suspected exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. All school COVID-19 screening testing plans must be emailed to DPHSS at dphss.surveillance@dphss.guam.gov. Testing plans are subject to review by DPHSS, and must factor in the following:

• Designating a point of contact

• Designating a screening testing program to include:

  • Establishing testing types, collection method, frequency, scheduling and reporting

• Implementing a screening testing program to include:

  • Developing consent forms, establishing a testing site and meeting facility requirements

• Testing considerations to include:

  • Diagnostic testing for symptomatic individuals, “Test to Stay” testing policy, Contact tracing students, faculty, and staff with known exposure

To read DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-27 Rev. 1 in its entirety, CLICK HERE.

COVID-19 Testing Screening Guide Updated to Include Dialysis Patients

Today, DPHSS updated its COVID-19 Testing Screening Guide Memorandum to include hemodialysis patients as part of its risk stratification for close contacts. DPHSS’sScreening Guide Memorandum lists the criteria for who may get tested for COVID-19 using a checklist: 

1. Are you experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms? If YES, PROCEED to test 

Symptoms may include:

If individual reports any of the following symptoms, seek emergency care immediately or call 911:

a. Trouble breathing

b. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

c. New confusion

d. Inability to wake or stay awake

e. Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

2. Are you a High-Risk Close Contact? If YES, PROCEED to test

COMORBID CHART

NOTE: Individual must simply reply YES and is not required to state their medical condition.

3. Are you a Government of Guam employee submitting for testing pursuant to Executive Order 2021-17? If YES, PROCEED to test (refer to DOA Circular 2021-025D)

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 lists 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. 

Schedule Changes to COVID-19 Vaccination Support Clinic 

Beginning February 12, the COVID-19 vaccination support clinics for families of children with disabilities will operate from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. These clinics are also open to the community. 

After-school COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Continues

DPHSS, in partnership with the Guam Department of Education (GDOE), continues after-school vaccination clinics open to the community. All eligible students, with parental consent, are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19. 

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 3, 2022, a total of 133,252 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This total includes 13,204 residents 12 – 17 years old. 6,795 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 4,420 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. An additional 101 residents received their booster shots and a total of 51,935 booster shots have been administered to eligible residents since September 29, 2021.