JIC RELEASE NO. 855 - Two COVID-19 Fatalities Reported, COVID-19-related Fatalities Adjusted; Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 29 New Cases, 30 Hospitalized; Food Commodities Distribution Continues November 18

Two COVID-19 Fatalities Reported
The Joint Information Center was notified of two (2) COVID-19-related fatalities:

• The 257th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) on November 13, 2021. The patient was a 27-year-old female, unvaccinated with underlying health conditions. She was a known COVID-19 positive patient.
• The 258th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) on November 13, 2021. The patient was an 83-year-old female, unvaccinated with underlying health conditions. She tested positive on October 24, 2021.

“More families are experiencing pain and sadness as a result of this virus, and to you, Jeff, Josh, and I extend our thoughts and prayers,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “While too many have suffered tremendous grief, you do not have to grieve alone. United as an island community, we remember those we have lost and work together to prevent more days of sadness like today.”

COVID-19-related Fatalities Adjusted
Two (2) COVID-19 positive patients whose deaths were previously reported as COVID-19-related fatalities on September 30, 2021 and October 12, 2021, were subsequently found not to be the result of COVID-19. The Department of Public Health and Social Service (DPHSS) Office of Epidemiology and Research has revised the COVID-19-related fatality count to remain at 258. 

30 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 14 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 111 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID- 19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 8 times higher for the unvaccinated as compared to the vaccinated.

*Population is based on the 2018 Statistical Yearbook. Pending population update.
 

Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 29 New Cases of COVID-19 from November 12 – 14
Today, DPHSS reported five (5) new cases of COVID-19 out of 171 tests performed on November 14. One (1) case was identified through contact tracing.

An additional 24 cases were also reported today as a result of complete analysis and case submissions from other clinics for preliminary COVID-19 test results reported November 13 – 14. Official case counts for the past weekend results are as follows:

• November 13: 42 of 1,109 test positive for COVID-19 (28 cases previously reported). 21 cases were identified through contact tracing.  
• November 14: 32 of 535 test positive for COVID-19 (22 cases previously reported). 11 cases were identified through contact tracing.

To date, there have been a total of 18,942 officially reported cases, 258 deaths, 1,768 cases in active isolation, and 16,916 not in active isolation. The CAR Score is 3.9.

Requirements for Minors to Receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine:

• Parent/legal guardian must provide minor’s birth certificate 
• Parent/legal guardian must have a government-issued photo identification (ID)
• Minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
• Guardians must present legal guardianship or power-of-attorney documents

For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (first two doses), the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:

• Anyone age 65 years and older
• Anyone age 18 years and older with underlying medical conditions
• Anyone 18 years and older with an elevated risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission due to their occupation (e.g. healthcare workers, law enforcement, fire, K-12 teachers and support staff, university faculty, daycare employees, food and agriculture workers, manufacturing workers, USPS workers, corrections workers, public transit workers, grocery store workers) or institutional settings.

For individuals who received the Johnson and Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago. 

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Treatment Continues
DPHSS, in partnership with the Mayors’ Council of Guam and the Guam National Guard, continues to offer outpatient monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy at the Mangilao Senior Citizens Center in Mangilao. Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 may receive mAb therapy if they meet the eligibility criteria through a referral from their private physician, a COVID-19 community test site, or a hospital. A Pre-Screening Assessment has been developed to guide individuals who may be eligible for mAb treatment. To schedule an appointment, call 671-998-4627 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 671-734-9203 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Food Commodities Distribution Continues
The Guam Department of Education (GDOE), State Agency for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Nutrition Service distribution will be available to village constituents only on a first-come, first-served basis. Distribution is limited to three households per vehicle at the sites. Face masks must be worn; bring a photo ID.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update
As of November 14, a total of 124,610 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. 1,007 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 13,451 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, 6,695 doses of the Moderna and 167 doses of the Johnson and Johnson/Janssen vaccine have been administered as boosters to eligible residents.