JIC RELEASE NO. 1085 - One COVID-19-related Fatality Reported, COVID-19-related Fatalities Adjusted; Report Positive COVID-19 At-home Test Results to DPHSS; COVID-19 Test Results: 154 New Cases, 16 Hospitalized; Additional COVID-19 Updates

One COVID-19-related Fatality Reported, COVID-19-related Fatalities Adjusted, 

The Joint Information Center was notified there is one (1) previously unreported COVID-19-related fatality that is being included today. The COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Memorial Hospital on June 13, 2022. The patient was a 93-year-old male, unvaccinated with underlying health conditions, who tested positive on April 11.

After a review of all possible COVID-19-related deaths, two previously counted COVID-19-related deaths have been removed and the COVID-19-related fatality count has been adjusted to 371. 

“To his family and friends, Jeff, Josh and I extend our heartfelt condolences,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “While we recognize that re-engaging with our friends and families is an important part of moving forward, continued precautions will be necessary, especially around our elderly and our sick. We can all do our part by wearing our masks in crowded places and by availing of the COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, which are safe, effective, and free.” 

Report Positive COVID-19 At-home Test Results to DPHSS

Report positive COVID-19 at-home and over the counter (OTC) test results to DPHSS via email: dphss.surveillance@dphss.guam.gov. You must report your positive result within 24 hours and provide the following information:

• Full Name
• Date of Test
• Contact Number
• Results
• Date of Birth
• Test Manufacturer

If you test positive using an OTC test kit, you must isolate at home until cleared using the DPHSS Guidance Memo 2021-16 Rev. 3 – Section G: Duration of Isolation. While in isolation, take the following steps:

• 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. 

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

• Wear a face mask.

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

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

If at-home test result is negative, but you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19:

• You should get a confirmatory test as soon as possible to confirm your results

• You should isolate until you receive your confirmed laboratory test result.

• If you are symptomatic, advise your household members and other close contacts to stay home until you receive your confirmed laboratory test result.

• If your confirmed laboratory test result is positive, DPHSS’ containment unit or your clinic will notify you of your positive laboratory result.

• Close contacts should also get tested for COVID-19.

If at-home test result is negative and you have NO symptoms and have NOT been exposed to COVID-19: It is less likely that you have COVID-19. You may resume your daily activities while continuing to follow all public health advice.

COVID-19 Test Results: 154 New Cases Reported

Today, DPHSS reported 154 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,119 specimens collected July 5, 2022. 19 of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 52,517 officially reported cases, 371 deaths, 835 cases in active isolation, and 51,311 not in active isolation.

16 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 9 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 13 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 1.4 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.

ASC COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Resumes Operations

The COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Agana Shopping Center (ASC) second floor is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – excluding government of Guam holidays. Individuals seeking COVID-19 vaccination at ASC clinic will be serviced on a walk-in basis as registration for appointments will no longer be offered. Last sign-in is at 2:30 p.m. or while supplies last.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 6 Months and Older Available at DPHSS CHCs

On June 17, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of the Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines for use in children down to six months of age.

COVID-19 vaccination for individuals ages six months and older are available at the DPHSS Northern Region Community Health Center in Dededo, and the DPHSS Southern Region Community Health Center in Inalåhan.

Requirements for minors to receive the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine:

• Parent/legal guardian must provide minor’s birth certificate

• Parent/legal guardian must have a government-issued photo identification

• Minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

• Guardians must present legal guardianship or power-of-attorney documents

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 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 NRCHC, SRCHC, the Agana Shopping Center, and senior citizen outreach clinics, while supplies last. 

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. If you have symptoms or test positive, ask your health care provider within five days of your first symptoms. Prescribing providers are advised to document SARS-CoV-2 viral test (lab-based antigen or PCR), and symptoms of COVID-19 for ≤5 days. Read the standing order for paxlovid HERE.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update

As of July 5, 2022, 137,239 eligible residents (6 months and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,400 residents 12 – 17 years old. 8,529 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of a two dose series. 7,126 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 34 residents 6 months – 4 years old have received their first dose of a two dose series. 64,167 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 9,061 eligible residents have received their second booster shots.