JIC RELEASE NO. 1127 - COVID-19 Test Results: 84 New Cases, 17 Hospitalized; COVID-19-related Fatalities Adjusted to 394; Changes to NRCHC COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Sept. 19; Additional COVID-19 Updates

Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 84 New Cases Reported

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 84 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,218 specimens analyzed from tests administered September 2 – 5, 2022:

• September 6: 19 of 264 test positive for COVID-19

• September 5: 8 of 109 test positive for COVID-19

• September 4: 24 of 284 test positive for COVID-19

• September 3: 33 of 561 test positive for COVID-19

Nine (9) of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 58,119 officially reported cases, 394 deaths, 317 cases in active isolation, and 57,408 not in active isolation.

17 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 40 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.

Five COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported, Adjustment to COVID-19-related Fatality Count

The Joint Information Center was notified of five (5) COVID-19-related fatalities:

• The 390th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City on August 15, 2022. The patient was an 82-year-old male, fully vaccinated with one booster, with underlying health conditions, who tested positive on August 13.  

• The 391st COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the U.S. Naval Hospital Guam on August 16, 2022. The patient was a 94-year-old male, with no record of vaccination and unknown underlying health conditions, who tested positive on August 16. 

• The 392nd COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) on August 17, 2022. The patient was a 57-year-old female, partially vaccinated with underlying health conditions, who tested positive on July 21.

• The 393rd COVID-19-related fatality occurred at GMH on September 3, 2022. The patient was a 70-year-old male, fully vaccinated without a booster with underlying health conditions, who tested positive on August 20.

• The 394th COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at GMH on September 4, 2022. The patient was a 3-week-old male, ineligible for vaccination with unknown underlying health conditions, who tested positive on September 4.

“Jeff, Josh, and I pray for those who loved them, that they find strength and comfort in their communities, in their families, and their faith,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “The task of overcoming this pandemic, though daunting, is not impossible. Our individual mitigation measures can and will make a difference in building a more resilient community; continue with your vaccination series when it’s your time, stay home if you are sick, and get tested if you’ve been exposed or are experiencing symptoms.” 

COVID-19 Vaccination at DPHSS NRCHC to Move to Appointment Basis September 19

Effective September 19, 2022, free COVID-19 vaccination services offered at the DPHSS Northern Region Community Health Center (NRCHC) will be performed on an appointment basis Monday through Thursday. COVID-19 vaccination operations held on Saturdays at NRCHC will remain unchanged. To schedule an appointment for COVID-19 vaccination at NRCHC after September 16, residents must call 671-635-7400 or 671-635-4410 to make appointments.
 

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Available at Northern Region Community Health Center
On August 9, DPHSS received 100 doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the Novavax vaccine on July 13. According to the CDC, the Novavax vaccine is a two-dose adjuvanted vaccine that is administered intramuscularly in deltoid muscle in adults 18 years of age or older.   The Novavax vaccine is a two-dose primary series with three to eight weeks between dose one and dose two. Currently, the Novavax vaccine is not authorized for any booster dose. Additionally, individuals who complete their primary series with two doses of Novavax vaccine are not eligible for a booster dose at this time. The Novavax vaccine will be available at the DPHSS Northern Region Community Health Center in Dededo.

DPHSS mAb Treatment Center Open at Paseo Stadium

Bebtelovimab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms) is available at the DPHSS mAb treatment center at the Paseo Stadium in Hagåtña from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closes for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday. 

To schedule treatment at the DPHSS mAb treatment center, patients must call 671-998-4527 or 671-998-4547, have a current, laboratory confirmed COVID–19 infection and a referral from a prescribing physician. For more information about Bebtelovimab and other mAb treatment options on Guam, visit dphss.guam.gov/mab or dial 311 from a local number and select option 1 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

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

The Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines are authorized for use in children from six months of age and older. In most children, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children ages six months through five years will be a two-dose primary series with four to eight weeks between dose one and dose two. In most children, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages six months through four years will be a three-dose primary series three to eight weeks between dose one and dose two, and at least eight weeks between dose two and dose three.

Requirements for minors to receive the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine at DPHSS vaccination clinics and outreach events:

• 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 will be offered an incentive (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. 

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update

As of September 2, 2022, 139,960 eligible residents (6 months and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,036 residents 12 – 17 years old. 9,046 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of a two dose series. 7,402 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 219 residents 6 months – 4 years old have received their first dose of a two dose series. 70,277 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 12,310 eligible residents have received their second booster shots.