JIC RELEASE NO. 794 - Two COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported; COVID-19 Hospital Census: 78; Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 128 New Cases; GMHA Suspends Elective Care Surgery; Additional Updates

Two COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported
The Joint Information Center (JIC) was notified of two (2) additional COVID-related fatalities reported last week and over the weekend:

• The 180th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) on September 17, 2021. The patient was a 39-year-old female, vaccinated with underlying health conditions who tested positive on September 14. 
• The 181st COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) on September 19, 2021. The patient was a 75-year-old female, unvaccinated with underlying health conditions who tested positive on September 14.

“Our hearts are dismayed as more lives are claimed by this indiscriminate disease,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “As we think of those lost to this pandemic, let us also remember the countless healthcare providers tirelessly working behind the scenes. We can give them some reprieve by protecting ourselves and protecting one another with options that work, including wearing our masks, washing our hands, watching our distance, and getting vaccinated.”

Watch for Emergency Warning Signs for COVID-19
In accordance with the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) guidance, individuals who are sick are advised to: 

• Stay home, except to seek medical care. Call ahead before visiting the clinic/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. While waiting for test results, you should stay away from others, including staying apart from those living in your household.

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE. Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19 and seek emergency medical care immediately or call 911 if you are experiencing any of the following warning signs of COVID-19:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

78 Hospitalized for COVID-19 – 50 Unvaccinated

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

Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 128 New Cases of COVID-19 from Sept. 17 – 19
Today, DPHSS reported sixteen (16) new cases of COVID-19 out of 232 tests performed on September 19. One (1) case was identified through contact tracing.

An additional 112 cases were also reported today as a result of complete analysis and case submissions from other clinics for preliminary COVID-19 test results reported September 18 – 19. Official case counts for the past weekend results are as follows:

• September 18: 154 of 2,017 test positive for COVID-19 (89 cases previously reported). Twenty-nine (29) cases were identified through contact tracing.   

• September 19: 141 of 976 test positive for COVID-19 (94 cases previously reported). Thirty (30) cases were identified through contact tracing.

To date, there have been a total of 13,660 officially reported cases of COVID-19 with 181 deaths, 2,689 cases in active isolation, and 10,790 not in active isolation. The CAR Score is 36.

Free COVID-19 Testing Schedule:

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. 

Individuals waiting for COVID-19 test results must quarantine at home until cleared by DPHSS. Individuals whose test results are positive and who are at high risk for serious illness will be given information on outpatient monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19.

UPDATED: COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule 

GMHA Suspends Elective Care Surgery

Today, the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) announced that all elective care surgeries at GMHA will be suspended beginning Tuesday, September 21, until further notice. GMHA confirmed their Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has reached capacity with fourteen (14) patients. 

Four GDOE Employees Test Positive for COVID-19
Today, the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) confirmed positive cases for COVID-19 involving four (4) employees. The employee cases were identified at Astumbo Elementary School and Merizo Martyrs Memorial Elementary School. Additionally, two separate cases were identified at Finegayan 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.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update
As of September 19, 300 additional residents received their first dose in a two-dose series, 38 residents received their dose in the single-dose series, and an additional 912 residents have become fully vaccinated. To date, a total of 116,184 (85.25%) of Guam’s eligible population (residents 12 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This percentage includes 9,655 fully vaccinated residents between the ages of 12 – 17, as well as Guam's fully vaccinated adult population of 106,529.

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.