JIC RELEASE NO. 858 - Two COVID-19-Related Fatalities Reported; COVID-19 Test Results: 25 New Cases, 28 Hospitalized; DPHSS Issues COVID-19 Data Update Report; Food Commodities Distribution

Two COVID-19-Related Fatalities Reported
The Joint Information Center was notified of two (2) COVID-19-related fatalities:

• The 261st COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) on November 17, 2021. The patient was a 40-year-old female, unvaccinated with underlying health conditions. She tested positive on October 23, 2021.
• The 262nd COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) on November 18, 2021. The patient was a 58-year-old male, unvaccinated with underlying health conditions. He tested positive on November 18, 2021.

“The island is saddened with each tragic passing,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “To their loved ones, Jeff, Josh, and I will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. This pandemic has already taken so much. We must remain the course to not let it take anymore from our community.”

28 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 15 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 65 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID- 19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 4 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: 25 New Cases of COVID-19
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported twenty-five (25) new cases of COVID-19 out of 808 tests performed on November 17. Eight (8) cases were identified through contact tracing. To date, there have been a total of 19,040 officially reported cases, 262 deaths, 1,838 cases in active isolation, and 16,940 not in active isolation. The CAR Score is 2.5.

DPHSS COVID-19 Data Update Report
Today, DPHSS Office of Epidemiology and Research and the COVID-19 Surveillance Unit issued an update on COVID-19 trends. According to the update report, there is a continued decrease in both the vaccinated and unvaccinated case rates, but the risk of being unvaccinated continues to be more than the vaccinated – up to three times more. To view the DPHSS COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Report, CLICK HERE.

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

Eligibility for Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 Booster Shots

For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (first two doses), the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:

• Anyone age 65 years and older

• Anyone age 18 years and older with underlying medical conditions

• Anyone 18 years and older with an elevated risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission due to their occupation (e.g. healthcare workers, law enforcement, fire, K-12 teachers and support staff, university faculty, daycare employees, food and agriculture workers, manufacturing workers, USPS workers, corrections workers, public transit workers, grocery store workers) or institutional settings.

For individuals who received the Johnson and Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago. 

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Treatment Continues

DPHSS, in partnership with the Mayors’ Council of Guam and the Guam National Guard, continues to offer outpatient monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy at the Mangilao Senior Citizens Center in Mangilao. Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 may receive mAb therapy if they meet the eligibility criteria through a referral from their private physician, a COVID-19 community test site, or a hospital. A Pre-Screening Assessment has been developed to guide individuals who may be eligible for mAb treatment. To schedule an appointment, call 671-998-4627 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 671-734-9203 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Food Commodities Distribution Continues
The Guam Department of Education (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.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update

As of November 17, a total of 124,783 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. 1,272 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 14,173 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, 7,275 doses of the Moderna and 184 doses of the Johnson and Johnson/Janssen vaccine have been administered as boosters to eligible residents.