JIC RELEASE NO. 1067 - 367th COVID-19-related Fatality Reported; COVID-19 Therapeutic Paxlovid; COVID-19 Test Results: 61 New Cases, Seven Hospitalized; Incentives Offered for COVID-19 Vaccination Series Completion and Boosters

367th COVID-19-related Fatality Reported

Today, the Joint Information Center was notified that Guam’s 367th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City on June 9, 2022. The patient was a 77-year-old female, fully vaccinated with one booster, with underlying health conditions, who tested positive on March 21. 

“Jeff, Josh, and I pray for solace for her family during this difficult time,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “We are reminded that our fight against this virus is not over. Use the tools that have proven to work in order to protect our most vulnerable. Wear masks around our elderly and those who are sick, don’t wait until it’s too late to seek medical treatment, and avail of all the vaccination and booster doses if it’s your time.” 

Reduce the Risk of Exposure and Spread of COVID-19

• At-risk individuals and older adults should continue wearing face masks in confined, poorly ventilated areas. Older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions are most at risk for serious complications and death due to COVID-19. Serious chronic medical conditions include:

• Get your COVID-19 booster doses after the recommended time has lapsed from your vaccination series completion. 

• Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19 and call 911 if you have trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or bluish lips or face. Individuals who are sick are advised to:

• Stay home, except to seek medical care. Call ahead before visiting the clinic/doctor or pharmacy. A telehealth visit is also an option you can seek from you doctor.

• Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headaches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea and/or diarrhea.

• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

  • If you have symptoms, work hard to get tested for COVID-19 right away, and then speak with your physician about your treatment options. 

  • While waiting for test results, you should stay away from others, including staying apart from those living in your household.

• Report Positive COVID-19 At-home Test Results to DPHSS at dphss.surveillance@dphss.guam.gov. 

• Isolate if you have tested positive for COVID-19. While in isolation:

1. Eat in a separate room or area; use a separate bedroom; use a separate bathroom. If sharing a bathroom, clean and disinfect after each use. 

2. Avoid sharing personal items – dishes, cups/glasses, silverware, towels, bedding or electronics (e.g., cellphone).

3. Wear a face mask.

4. Wash your hands often using soap and water, or hand sanitizer; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

5. Clean and disinfect “high touch” surfaces and items every day (tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, and electronics)

COVID-19 Therapeutic Paxlovid

Earlier this year, DPHSS issued a standing order for a COVID-19 therapeutic called Paxlovid. Paxlovid was given emergency use authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of COVID-19. Treatment is indicated for recently diagnosed COVID-19 patients with mild-moderate symptoms. To avail of the COVID-19 oral pill therapeutic, eligible patients must consult with their physicians. Prescribing providers are advised to document SARS-CoV-2 viral test (lab-based antigen or PCR), and symptoms of COVID-19 for ≤5 days.

Due to limited available supplies, prescribing physicians are advised to risk stratify based on the following criteria: 

Highest Priority:

• Not fully vaccinated; and 
• Over the age of 50; and 
• Has one or more comorbidities associated with increased risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death referenced in

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical -conditions.html; or

High Priority: 

• Fully vaccinated: and 
• Over the age of 65; and 
• Has two or more comorbidities associated with increased risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death referenced in https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical -conditions.html. 

Read the standing order for paxlovid HERE.

COVID-19 Test Results: 61 New Cases Reported 

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 61 new cases of COVID-19 from 457 specimens collected June 8, 2022. 13 of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 49,779 officially reported cases, 367 deaths, 480 cases in active isolation, and 48,932 not in active isolation.

Seven 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 4 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 44 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 11 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.

Incentives Offered for COVID-19 Vaccination Series Completion and Boosters

A program administered by the government of Guam is providing incentives to individuals 12 years of age and older who maintain their COVID-19 vaccinations who are:

• Completing their last dose in primary series; OR

• Receiving 1st Booster Dose; OR

• Receiving 2nd Booster Dose

Eligible residents may choose between IP&E gift certificates for $25 gas at Shell Gas Stations OR $25 at Shell Foody’s Guam stores (alcohol and tobacco items excluded) while supplies last. Gift certificates will only be offered at vaccination clinics at the Northern and Southern Region Community Health Centers, the Agana Shopping Center, and senior citizen outreach clinics, while supplies last. 

Second COVID-19 Booster Doses Available

Second doses of the COVID-19 booster are available to individuals ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. Eligible individuals may receive a second booster dose using an mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the first booster dose.

Adults between the ages of 18 and 49 who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised and who received Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine as both their primary series dose and booster dose may receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the Janssen booster dose. Adults ages 50 years and older could benefit from a second mRNA booster dose as they are at increased risk for severe COVID-19. Adults 50 years and older may receive a second booster dose, if it has been at least 4 months after the first booster dose.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update

As of June 8, 2022, 137,068 eligible residents (5 years and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,051 residents 12 – 17 years old. 8,174 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 6,662 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 61,107 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 6,576 eligible residents have received their second booster shots.

Click here to view GET TESTED

Click here to view GET BOOSTED