JIC RELEASE NO. 773 - 150th COVID-19-related Fatality Reported; COVID-19 Hospital Census: 45; COVID-19 Test Results: 181 New Cases; Additional COVID-19 Updates

150th COVID-19-related Fatality Reported
The Joint Information Center (JIC) was notified that Guam’s 150th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) at approximately 5:28 a.m. on September 1, 2021. The patient was a 75-year-old male, unvaccinated without any reported underlying health conditions who had tested positive for COVID-19.

“Although we are facing a global pandemic along with the rest of the world, the tragic passing of a member of our community can make us feel alone. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Check in with one another, safely, and let us get back to our basics – wear your mask, wash your hands, watch your distance,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “To his loved ones, Josh, Jeff, and I pray you find healing and comfort.”

GBHWC Crisis Hotline
The Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) has a Crisis Hotline available 24/7 at (671) 647-8833/4. For those feeling anxious, stressed, overwhelmed, or need to talk to someone, GBHWC has experienced providers available and ready to assist the community with any heightened stress and anxiety experienced as a result of COVID-19.

45 Hospitalized for COVID-19 – 26 Unvaccinated
The Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH), Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC), and U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Guam report the following COVID-19 hospital census, as of 6 p.m.:

COVID-19 Test Results: 181 New Cases of COVID-19
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported one hundred eighty-one (181) new cases of COVID-19 out of 1,567 tests performed on August 31. Ninety-one (91) cases were identified through contact tracing. To date there have been a total of 10,740 officially reported cases of COVID-19 with 150 deaths, 1,595 cases in active isolation and 8,995 not in active isolation. The CAR Score is 44.

COVID-19 Testing Continues Through Saturday, September 4
Free COVID-19 testing continues at the locations and times below: 

For quicker service, visit dphss.guam.gov/covid-19-testing to download, print, and complete a COVID-19 Testing Patient Assessment Form before arriving at the testing site. 

Only four (4) people per vehicle are allowed to be tested. Minors must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian and provide government-issued identification to validate age. The parent/legal guardian will also be required to sign a consent form. Testing for travel purposes will not be conducted at DPHSS drive-thru testing sites and must be scheduled with the Northern Region Community Health Center (NRCHC) by calling (671) 635-7525/6. 

The community is reminded to monitor for symptoms and get tested if they are identified as close contacts to confirmed positive cases or are experiencing any of the known COVID-19 symptoms, which include, but are not limited to:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath 
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

This list is not exhaustive of all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Eleven GDOE Students, Eight Employees Test Positive for COVID-19
Today, the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) confirmed eleven (11) positive cases for COVID-19 involving students, and eight (8) positive cases involving employees. Student cases were identified at Adacao Elementary School, Captain H.B. Price Elementary School, Liguan Elementary School, Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School, Tamuning Elementary School, Wettengel Elementary School, Astumbo Middle School, F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School, John F. Kennedy High School, and two separate cases were identified at Okkodo High School. Employee cases were identified at B.P. Carbullido Elementary School, Captain H.B. Price Elementary School, Finegayan Elementary School, Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School, Tamuning Elementary School, Vicente S.A. Benavente Middle School, and two separate cases were identified at Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School. In collaboration with the DPHSS, GDOE has identified and notified teachers as well as parents of students who may have been in contact with the index case in order to schedule testing. Tested individuals will remain in quarantine until they are cleared by DPHSS. Cleaning and disinfecting of areas of the campuses are taking place.

COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule 
COVID-19 vaccination clinics continue at the locations and times below:

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update
As of August 31, 397 additional residents received their first dose in a two-dose series, 89 residents received their dose in the single-dose series and an additional 250 residents have become fully vaccinated. To date, a total of 109,620 (80.43%) of Guam’s eligible population (residents 12 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This percentage includes 8,932 fully vaccinated residents between the ages of 12 – 17, as well as Guam's fully vaccinated adult population of 100,688. 

For the latest information on COVID-19, visit dphss.guam.gov or guamrecovery.com. For inquiries on COVID-19, contact 311 through a local number, or call the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.