JIC RELEASE NO. 947 - COVID-19 Test Results: 732 New Cases, 44 Hospitalized; Sotrovimab Infusions Begin, Patient Referrals Required for Appointments; Schedule Changes to COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic; Additional COVID-19 Updates

44 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 191 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 10 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: 732 New Cases of COVID-19 
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 732 new cases of COVID-19 from 2,187 specimens analyzed on February 2, 2022. 60 of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 34,610 officially reported cases, 296 deaths, 6,659 cases in active isolation, and 27,565 not in active isolation.

Sotrovimab Infusions Begin, Patient Referrals Required for Appointments
DPHSS, in partnership with the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC), has begun distribution of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) infusion of sotrovimab at GRMC. Sotrovimab was given emergency use authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of non-hospitalized patients with symptomatic COVID-19 who do not require supplemental oxygen and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. Sotrovimab is currently the only mAb being offered at this time. 

Patients who test positive for COVID-19 should consult with their physicians to determine whether they meet eligibility criteria for sotrovimab infusion. Providers must send patient referral information to the Sotrovimab Infusion Clinic at GRMC to schedule an appointment ahead of time. Details can be sent via email to covid.inf@grmc.gu or fax (ATTN: Merlita Sheafer) to 671-969-4874. Information must include: referral, informed consent form, covid positive result, and clinical record. Upon receiving and confirming information, a scheduling coordinator will contact the patient to schedule an appointment for sotrovimab infusion services. Patients are advised not to walk in to GRMC for sotrovimab infusion services without an appointment. 

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 further adjusts 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. 

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 2, 2022, a total of 133,224 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This total includes 13,204 residents 12 – 17 years old. 6,696 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 4,357 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. An additional 265 residents received their booster shots and a total of 51,834 booster shots have been administered to eligible residents since September 29, 2021.