JIC RELEASE NO. 976 - Six COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported from February 23-27; Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 229 New Cases, 33 Hospitalized; Food Commodities Distribution Continues March 3

Six COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported from February 23-27

Today, the Joint Information Center was notified of six (6) COVID-19-related fatalities:

• The 323rd COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) on February 23, 2022. The patient was a 74-year-old female, fully vaccinated with a booster, who had underlying health conditions and tested positive on February 11.

• The 324th COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at GRMC on February 23, 2022. The patient was a 63-year-old male, unvaccinated, who had underlying health conditions and tested positive on February 10 and again on February 22.

• The 325th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at GRMC on February 23, 2022. The patient was an 88-year-old male, fully vaccinated without a booster, who had underlying health conditions and tested positive on February 13.

• The 326th COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at GRMC on February 24, 2022. The patient was a 63-year-old female, fully vaccinated with a booster, who had underlying health conditions and tested positive on February 22.

• The 327th COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at the Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) on February 26, 2022. The patient was a 67-year-old female, fully vaccinated with a booster, who had underlying health conditions and tested positive on February 20.

• The 328th COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at GMH on February 27, 2022. The patient was a 74-year-old male, fully vaccinated without a booster, who had underlying health conditions and tested positive on February 22.

“Too many of our families have experienced loss and grief resulting from this deadly virus. To them, we extend our most heartfelt sympathies and prayers,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “While we recognize the amazing progress we’ve made these past two years, we cannot let our guard down. Wear your mask, wash your hands, watch your distance and get vaccinated and boosted. Also, please keep a close watch on vulnerable loved ones. We have testing open for all and life saving treatments available.” 

33 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 19 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 105 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.

Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 229 New Cases Reported February 26 – 28

From February 26-28, 2022, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 229 new cases of COVID-19. 53 of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. The 229 new cases does not include cases previously reported in JIC Release No. 973 and 975. The breakdown of the cumulative results is below:

• February 28: 25 of 308 test positive for COVID-19

• February 27: 144 of 606 test positive for COVID-19 (106 cases previously reported). 

• February 26: 293 of 1,692 test positive for COVID-19 (127 cases previously reported).

To date, there have been a total of 44,573 officially reported cases, 328 deaths, 3,112 cases in active isolation, and 41,133 not in active isolation.

UOG Vaccination Clinic to Close March 2, Moves to GCC Starting March 4

The COVID-19 vaccination clinic held at the University of Guam (UOG) Field House will close on March 2 at 2 p.m. The COVID-19 vaccination clinic will then transition to the Guam Community College (GCC) Multipurpose Auditorium in Mangilao on March 4. While walk-ins are accepted, residents are urged to make appointments at tinyurl.com/vaxguam. Dates and times are listed below:

Food Commodities Distribution Continues

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.

Mangilao mAb Treatment Center Reopens

The monoclonal antibody therapy (mAb) Treatment Center located at the Mangilao Senior Citizens Center in Mangilao is open for COVID-19 therapeutic services from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m Monday through Saturday. Patients must receive a referral from a physician in order to qualify for treatment at the Mangilao mAb Treatment Center. To schedule an appointment, call (671) 988-4627. Individuals are encouraged to schedule within 10 days of when symptoms started for best results. 

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update

As of February 27, 2022, a total of 134,950 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This total includes 13,524 residents 12 – 17 years old. 7,457 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 5,488 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. An additional 247 residents have received their booster shots and a total of 55,131 booster shots have been administered to eligible residents since September 29, 2021.