JIC RELEASE NO. 887 - COVID-19 Test Results: Four New Cases, Four Hospitalized; Additional COVID-19 Updates

4 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 2 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 14 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID- 19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 7 times higher for the unvaccinated as compared to the vaccinated. *Estimated population is based on DPHSS Immunization Program analysis of 2020 Census data. Updates are expected pending further Census 2020 data breakdown.

Preliminary COVID-19 Test Results: Four New Cases of COVID-19
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported  a preliminary case count of four (4) new cases of COVID-19 from 285 specimens analyzed on December 10. Additional results are pending analysis and submission from other clinics and will be reported on Monday, December 13. To date, there have been a total of 19,307 officially reported cases, 267 deaths, 267 cases in active isolation, and 18,773 not in active isolation. As of December 10, the CAR Score is 0.7.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update 
As of December 10, a total of 126,886 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This total includes 12,052 residents 12 – 17 years old. 3,752 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 987 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 31,865 booster shots have been administered to eligible residents.

COVID-19 Booster Shot Eligibility Expands 
Yesterday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved the COVID-19 vaccine boosters for individuals ages 16 to 17 years old. Adolescents 16 and 17 years of age who received a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (first two doses) are eligible for a single booster shot at least 6 months or more after their initial series. At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech booster vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 16 and 17.

UOG COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Open Dec. 21 – 31
The COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the University of Guam Field House will be open from December 21 – 31, excluding normal days off and Christmas Day. Walk-ins are accepted, but residents are encouraged to make appointments at tinyurl.com/vaxguam. The UOG Field House clinic will not be open from Dec. 16-20 due to graduation events. 

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

Fill out a COVID-19 Testing Patient Assessment Form ahead of time, available at dphss.guam.gov/covid-19-testing. Individuals waiting for COVID-19 test results must quarantine at home until cleared by DPHSS. Test results are available via email by sending a request to [email protected]

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.