JIC RELEASE NO. 953 - 299th COVID-19-related Fatality Reported; COVID-19 Test Results: 844 New Cases, 46 Hospitalized; Additional COVID-19 Updates

299th COVID-19-related Fatality Reported

Today, the Joint Information Center was notified that Guam’s 299th COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at the Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) on February 7, 2022. The patient was an 83-year-old male, partially vaccinated, who tested positive on February 7. 

“The heart of our community breaks again for another family in mourning tonight,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “We continue to endure the anguish brought on by this dangerous virus, and we pray for peace and comfort for those who have sustained the gravest of hardships throughout the pandemic. Josh and I urge everyone to remain steadfast in your mitigative efforts to reduce your risk of exposure and to seek treatment immediately if you are 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

46 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 19 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 251 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 13 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: 844 New Cases of COVID-19 
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 844 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,990 specimens analyzed on February 7, 2022. 113 of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 37,456 officially reported cases, 299 deaths, 5,892 cases in active isolation, and 31,265 not in active isolation.

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 lists 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. 

Schedule Changes to COVID-19 Vaccination Support Clinic 

Beginning February 12, the COVID-19 vaccination support clinics for families of children with disabilities will operate from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. These clinics are also open to the community. 

UOG Vaccination Clinic Saturday Hours to Change 

Beginning Saturday, February 12, 2022, and every Saturday thereafter, the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at the UOG Field House will operate from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note the changes to the schedule.

After-school COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Continues

DPHSS, in partnership with the Guam Department of Education (GDOE), continues after-school vaccination clinics open to the community. All eligible students, with parental consent, are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19. 

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 February 7, 2022, a total of 133,630 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This total includes 13,204 residents 12 – 17 years old. 6,910 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 4,682 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. An additional 51 residents received their booster shots and a total of 52,723 booster shots have been administered to eligible residents since September 29, 2021.