JIC RELEASE NO. 804 - Three COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported; Governor Signs Executive Order No. 2021-24; COVID-19 Updates: 70 Hospitalized; 169 of 1,659 Test Positive

Three COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported September 26 – 28
The Joint Information Center was notified of three additional COVID-related fatalities reported between September 26 – 28:

• The 193rd COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) on September 26, 2021. The patient was a 16-year-old male, unvaccinated, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on September 26.  
• The 194th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Guam on September 26, 2021. The patient was a 43-year-old female, fully vaccinated, with underlying health conditions, who tested positive on September 18. 
• The 195th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at GRMC on September 28, 2021. The patient was an 71-year-old male, unvaccinated, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on September 28. 

“The passing of a loved one is never easy and Jeff, Josh, and I offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to their families during this most difficult time,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “To all those who have lost someone to this virus, keep their memories close in your hearts and honor them through continued vigilance.” 

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE. 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.

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.

Governor Signs Executive Order No. 2021-24
Today, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed Executive Order No. 2021-24, relative to extending the Public Health Emergency and clarifying garnishment policy for All Rise Program and orders such that:

1. THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY  shall be extended for an additional thirty (30) day period, effective September 30, 2021. The public health emergency is now scheduled to expire on October 29, 2021.
2. EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2021-18 is hereby clarified to confirm that funds received pursuant to the ALL RISE Program are not subject to garnishment.
3. LICENSURE OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS All licensing requirements, permits or fees required by law, rule, regulation for health care providers whose services are directed toward addressing needs of the public health emergency, including, but not limited to, respiratory therapists and nurses are waived and such waiver will continue in effect until the public health emergency terminates. 

To read Executive Order No. 2021-24 in its entirety, click HERE. 

70 Hospitalized for COVID-19 – 37 Unvaccinated

COVID-19 Test Results: 169 New Cases of COVID-19 
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 169 new cases of COVID-19 out of 1,659 tests performed on September 27. 28 cases were identified through contact tracing. To date, there have been a total of 14,705 officially reported cases, 195 deaths, 3,361 cases in active isolation, and 11,149 not in active isolation. The CAR Score is 22.2.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update
As of September 27, 96 additional residents received their first dose in a two-dose series, 27 residents received their dose in the single-dose series, and an additional 261 residents have become fully vaccinated. To date, a total of 119,017 (87.32%) of Guam’s eligible population (residents 12 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This percentage includes 10,318 fully vaccinated residents between the ages of 12 – 17, and 108,699 fully vaccinated adults.

Free COVID-19 Testing:

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

FREE COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

Four GDOE Employees Test Positive for COVID-19
Today, the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) confirmed positive cases for COVID-19 involving 4 employees. One case was identified at M.U. Lujan Elementary School and three separate cases were identified at the Tiyan Central Office. 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 and the central office are taking place.

Click here to view EO 2021-24 RELATIVE TO EXTENDING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY AND CLARIFYING GARNISHMENT POLICY FOR ALL RISE PROGRAM

Click here to view Testing Flyer

Click here to view vaccinations flyer