JIC RELEASE NO. 797 - COVID Updates: 183rd and 184th Fatalities, 74 Hospitalized; 101 out of 1,067 Test Positive; SNAP P-EBT Card Issuance Continues

Two COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported
The Joint Information Center (JIC) was notified that Guam’s 183rd and 184th COVID-19-related fatalities occurred at the Guam Memorial Hospital on September 23, 2021:

• The 183rd COVID-19-related fatality was a 76-year-old male, vaccinated, with multiple underlying health conditions, who tested positive on September 13. 

• The 184th COVID-19-related fatality was a 56-year-old male, unvaccinated, with multiple underlying health conditions who tested positive on September 8.

“We express our deepest condolences to their loved ones this evening, joining the island in offering our prayers for healing and comfort,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “The virus continues to disrupt our wellbeing, strickening our community with mental anguish and physical stress. Our attentiveness to the warning signs and maintaining precautionary measures against the spread could put an end to this disruption.” 

Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. Seek emergency medical care immediately or 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.

74 Hospitalized for COVID-19

101 out of 1,067 Test Positive for COVID-19
DPHSS reported 101 new cases out of 1,067 tests performed on September 22. 20 cases were identified through contact tracing. To date, there have been a total of 14,098 officially reported cases, 184 deaths, 2,936 cases in active isolation, and 10,978 not in active isolation. The CAR Score is 27.9.

Free COVID-19 Testing Schedule (Weather permitting):

For more information, visit dphss.guam.gov/covid-19-testing. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule 

P-EBT Update
DPHSS continues distribution of the Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP) Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT). School-aged students are eligible for P-EBT if they:

• Were eligible to receive free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP); or 

• Received such meals because their school is participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), but did not receive meals at school due to COVID-related closures or virtual learning.

P-EBT Card Distribution Requirements:    

• Bring a valid picture ID such as a Driver’s License, Guam ID, military ID or Passport. Photocopies of ID’s are not accepted.

• Written authorizations are not acceptable.

• You must be the registered parent/guardian for your child with GDOE. If you are not the registered parent/guardian, a P-EBT card WILL NOT be issued to you.

• P-EBT Cards are issued to Child Protective Services (CPS) for children identified as a ward of the court or under the care of CPS. They will be contacting families directly.

• If the parent/guardian’s name is not listed, a DPHSS P-EBT Student Verification of Enrollment Form will be issued at the distribution site. This form will be taken back to the child’s respective school where GDOE staff will complete and validate the form. Parents will then return with the form to the location indicated on the P-EBT Distribution Site.

• Individuals, who have legal and/or temporary custody or Power or Attorney (POA), please ensure the guardianship is recorded and reflected in GDOE's PowerSchool system.

P-EBT Cards distribution for registered parent(s)/guardian(s) whose child/children attend a GDOE School will take place Monday – Friday (excluding GovGuam holidays) from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at DPHSS Bureau of Economic Security, located on the 2nd floor of the Ran-Care Building in Tamuning, across from National Office Supply. For more information, contact the P-EBT Distribution Team Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 300-8867/8870/8871/8854. You may also leave a text message at 488-6839.

Six GDOE Employees Test Positive for COVID-19
Today, the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) confirmed positive cases for COVID-19 involving six (6) employees. The employee cases were identified at Adaco Elementary School, AsTumbo Elementary School, Captain H.B. Price Elementary School, and two separate cases at Daniel L. Perez Elementary School. Additionally, one case was identified at the Tiyan central office. In collaboration with DPHSS, GDOE has identified and notified individuals 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 to return to campus. Cleaning and disinfecting of areas of the campuses and central office are taking place to ensure schools are ready for regular hours of operation.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update
As of September 22, 93 additional residents received their first dose in a two-dose series, 17 residents received their dose in the single-dose series, and an additional 289 residents have become fully vaccinated. To date, a total of 117,333 (86.09%) of Guam’s eligible population (residents 12 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This percentage includes 10,084 fully vaccinated residents between the ages of 12 – 17, and 107,249 fully vaccinated adults.

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.