JIC RELEASE NO. 945 - Four COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported; Standing Orders Issued for COVID-19 Therapeutics; COVID-19 Test Results: 777 New Cases, 39 Hospitalized; Additional COVID-19 Updates

Four COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported

Today, the Joint Information Center was notified of four (4) COVID-19-related fatalities:

• The 291st COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) on January 21, 2022. The patient was an 81-year-old male, vaccinated, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on January 21, 2022.

• The 292nd COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at the Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) on January 31, 2022. The patient was an 85-year-old male, vaccinated, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on January 25, 2022.

• The 293rd COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at GMH on January 31, 2022. The patient was a 68-year-old female, unvaccinated, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on January 31, 2022.

• The 294th COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at the U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Guam on January 31, 2022. The patient was a 98-year-old male, vaccinated, who tested positive on January 31, 2022.

“Governor Lou, First Gentleman Jeff, and I carry the sadness and sorrow along with their families. Losses like these are so great in our small community,” said Acting Governor Josh Tenorio. “Help your family members by monitoring their health, especially those who are elderly or sick. Please do not wait to get treatment or visit your doctor if you are feeling sick.”

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.

Older Adults, People with Serious Chronic Medical Conditions are Most at Risk for Serious Complications and Death Due to SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19

Older adults and individuals with serious chronic medical conditions are most at risk for serious complications and death due to COVID-19. Serious chronic medical conditions include:

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Lung disease

• Obesity

• Immunocompromised conditions (e.g. cancer, lupus)

• Chronic liver disease

• Chronic renal disease

• Neurologic or neurodevelopmental condition

• Current or former smoking

39 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 20 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 153 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. *Estimated population is based on DPHSS Immunization Program analysis of 2020 Census data. Updates are expected pending further Census 2020 data breakdown.

COVID-19 Test Results: 777 New Cases of COVID-19 

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 777 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,868 specimens analyzed on January 31, 2022. 139 of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 33,108 officially reported cases, 294 deaths, 5,948 cases in active isolation, and 26,866 not in active isolation.

Standing Orders Issued for COVID-19 Therapeutics
DPHSS issued two standing orders for COVID-19 therapeutics, one for mulnopiravir and another for paxlovid. Both therapeutics were given emergency use authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of COVID-19. 

Treatment is indicated for recently diagnosed COVID-19 patients with mild-moderate symptoms. To avail of COVID-19 therapeutics, eligible patients must consult with their physicians. Prescribing providers are advised to document SARS-CoV-2 viral test (lab-based antigen or PCR), and symptoms of COVID-19 for <5 days. 

Due to limited available supplies, prescribing physicians are advised to risk stratify based on the following criteria: 

Highest Priority:

• Not fully vaccinated; and

• Over the age of 50; and

• Has one or more comorbidities associated with increased risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death referenced in https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html; or

High Priority:

• Fully vaccinated: and 

• Over the age of 65; and 

• Has two or more comorbidities associated with increased risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death referenced in https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. 

Read the standing order for mulnopiravir HERE, and for paxlovid HERE.

Tiyan COVID-19 Outreach Appointment-Based Testing
Community COVID-19 testing at the old carnival grounds in Tiyan, Barrigada has transitioned to an appointment-based system with extended hours. Unscheduled drive-ups will be accepted on a limited basis. For the safety of the community and swabbers, only four (4) adults per vehicle are allowed to be tested. To schedule an appointment, visit tinyurl.com/covidstopswithme. 

DPHSS continues to support diagnostic testing for COVID-19 but will be prioritizing COVID-19 testing to target individuals with a likelihood of severe disease, hospitalization, or death due to COVID-19. The DPHSS Screening Guide Memorandum further adjusts the criteria for who may get tested for COVID-19.  CLICK HERE to view the guide.

Fill out a COVID-19 Testing Patient Assessment Form ahead of time, available at dphss.guam.gov/covid-19-testing. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Support Clinic for Families of Children with Disabilities

COVID-19 vaccination support clinics for families of children with disabilities are available. These clinics will also be open to the community. 

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

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update 

As of January 31, 2022, a total of 133,092 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This total includes 13,122 residents 12 – 17 years old. 6,673 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 4,334 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. An additional 157 residents received their booster shots and a total of 51,422 booster shots have been administered to eligible residents since September 29, 2021.