JIC RELEASE NO. 764 - COVID-19 Hospital Census: 27; 126 of 1,214 Test Positive for COVID-19; Four GDOE Students, Two Employees Test Positive for COVID-19; UPDATE: COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule; Food Commodities Distribution Continues

27 Hospitalized for COVID-19 – 19 Unvaccinated
The Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH), Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) and the U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) report the following COVID-19 hospital census, as of 7 p.m.:

COVID-19 Test Results: 126 of 1,214 Test Positive for COVID-19
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reports 126 new cases of COVID-19 out of 1,214 tests performed on August 23. Fifty-seven (57) cases were identified through contact tracing. To date, there have been a total of 9,612 officially reported cases of COVID-19 with 145 deaths, 806 cases in active isolation and 8,661 not in active isolation. The CAR Score is 18.2. 

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update
As of August 23, 684 additional residents received their first dose in a two-dose series, 243 residents received their dose in the single-dose series and an additional 364 residents have become fully vaccinated. To date, a total of 107,509 (78.88%) of Guam’s eligible population (residents 12 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This percentage includes 8,687 fully vaccinated residents between the ages of 12 – 17, as well as Guam's fully vaccinated adult population of 98,822. 

Four GDOE Students, Two Employees Test Positive for COVID-19
Today, the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) confirmed four positive cases for COVID-19 involving students identified at Astumbo Elementary School, Wettengel Elementary School, F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School, and Vicente S.A. Benavente Middle School. Additionally, GDOE confirmed two separate incidents where individuals tested positive for COVID-19. The first has been identified as an employee assigned to Astumbo Elementary School. The second has been identified as an employee at C.L. Taitano Elementary School; this individual has not been reported to the worksite. In collaboration with DPHSS, GDOE has identified and notified teachers as well as parents of students who may have been in contact with the index cases in order to schedule testing. Tested individuals will remain in quarantine until they are cleared by DPHSS to return to campus. Cleaning and disinfecting of areas of the campuses are taking place to ensure schools are ready for regular hours of operation on Wednesday, August 25.

8/14-8/23: School-Level COVID-19 Tracking (Student Cases)

UPDATE: COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule 
COVID-19 vaccination clinics continue at the locations and times below:

UPDATE: COVID-19 Testing Continues Through Saturday, August 28
Free COVID-19 testing continues seven days a week at the old carnival grounds in Tiyan, Barrigada from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Daily testing will run through Saturday, August 28, 2021. Only polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing will be performed. Up to 400 tests will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Samples will be collected through nasopharyngeal swabs. No symptoms are needed. Bring a photo ID. 

COVID-19 test results can be expected within 24 hours. To receive results via email, send a request to covidresults@dphss.guam.gov. For quicker service, visit dphss.guam.gov/covid-19-testing to download, print, and complete a COVID-19 Testing Patient Assessment Form before arriving at the testing site. 

Only four (4) people per vehicle are allowed to be tested. Minors must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian and provide government-issued identification to validate age. The parent/legal guardian will also be required to sign a consent form. Testing for travel purposes will not be conducted at DPHSS drive-thru testing sites and must be scheduled with the Northern Region Community Health Center (NRCHC) by calling (671) 635-7525/6. 

The community is reminded to monitor for symptoms and get tested if they are identified as close contacts to confirmed positive cases or are experiencing any of the known COVID-19 symptoms, which include, but are not limited to:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath 
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

This list is not exhaustive of all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

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. 

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.