JIC RELEASE NO. 417 - Three COVID-19-Related Fatalities Reported; Cumulative Results for October 23-25: 120 Test Positive for COVID-19; Profiles of Confirmed Cases; Six additional DYA Residents Test Positive for COVID-19

For information on COVID-19 cases, visit the COVID-19 Dashboard and Situation Report at http://dphss.guam.gov/covid-19/. The COVID-19 Dashboard is updated on business days.

Three COVID-19-Related Fatalities Reported
The Joint Information Center was notified that Guam’s 73rd COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) at approximately 11:20 a.m. The patient was a 76-year-old female with underlying health conditions complicated by COVID-19. She tested positive on October 15, but no information was available on hospital admission date. 

The 74th COVID-related fatality occurred at the Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) at approximately 12:12 p.m. The patient was a 88-year-old male with underlying health conditions complicated by COVID-19. He was admitted to GMH on October 11 and tested positive upon admission. 

Guam’s 75th COVID-19-related fatality also occurred at USNH at approximately 4:24 p.m. The patient was a 74-year-old male with underlying health conditions, complicated by COVID-19. He was admitted to USNH on October 17 and tested positive upon admission.

“No words can truly express the heartfelt sorrow that we all feel for the passing of a loved one. To their family and friends, Jeff, Lt. Governor Josh, and I send our condolences and sympathies,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “There will come a day when social distancing and wearing a mask will no longer be required, but we don't anticipate that day to come soon. Please do whatever is necessary to prevent any more days of mourning.”

Cumulative Results
To date, there have been a total of 4,336 officially reported cases of COVID-19 with 75 deaths, 1,658 cases in active isolation and 2,603 not in active isolation. 

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) releases the official COVID-19 Dashboard and Situation Report on weekdays. Cases officially reported to DPHSS on Monday reflect results confirmed from Friday to Sunday. 

An additional 120 cases of COVID-19 were officially reported to DPHSS today. These 120 cases were confirmed over a three day period, between October 23-25, 2020. 

From October 23-25, a total of 195 new cases of COVID-19 were officially reported. Seventy-five of these cases were previously reported by the Joint Information Center on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 2020 and reflect results reported from DPHSS. The breakdown of reporting to DPHSS by day is as follows: 

• 87 on October 23 

• 92 on October 24 

• 16 on October 25 

Of the 195 cases, 20 cases were identified through contact tracing. One case reported recent travel from the U.S. and was identified in quarantine.

The following breakdown provides cumulative COVID-19 test results reported to the Joint Information Center on Monday, October 26, 2020 and reflects results from Friday, October 23 - Sunday, October 25, 2020:

Profiles of Confirmed Cases

1Hospitalization rate is based on intake numbers reported to the JIC. This number may be subject to change. 

2Some cases traveled to more than one country  

3Includes home/self-quarantine and quarantine in a Government of Guam facility 

4 Some cases have more than one link to other COVID-19 cases.

Six additional DYA Residents Test Positive for COVID-19
The Department of Youth Affairs (DYA) has been informed that six residents tested positive today for COVID-19 bringing the total positive resident cases to eight. One of 12 residents refused to be tested and remains in quarantine. Residents who test positive are isolated in a separate unit. Parents/guardians of all new positive resident cases have been contacted by DYA. Of the eight positive resident cases, four are experiencing mild symptoms such as headaches, body aches and fatigue; they are under close supervision and are monitored hourly. 

Test results from the 15 employees that were tested on Saturday have been received. All employees tested negative for COVID-19. A total of five employees tested positive last week; two remain in the government isolation facility while three remain in home isolation.

DYA continues to follow guidance from DPHSS. The following precautions are in place:

1. All residents are to shelter-in-place. 

2. All appointments for residents will be conducted over-the-phone or virtually. 

3. Visitation for residents will continue to be conducted over-the-phone. 

4. Parents of residents can contact 735-5033/5 to speak to a DYA Social Worker.  

5. Staff and resident temperature and wellness checks will continue to be conducted and recorded during each shift. 

6. Wearing a facemask will continue to be required for all staff and residents. 

7. Increased sanitation and disinfection of units will occur more frequently

8. Incoming staff must wash their hands upon entry into the facility; both staff and clients will wash and sanitize their hands frequently throughout the day. 

For the latest information on COVID-19, visit dphss.guam.gov or guamrecovery.com. For inquiries on COVID-19, contact 311 through a local number, or call the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.