JIC RELEASE NO. 954 - Four COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported; COVID-19 Test Results: 594 New Cases, 52 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 300th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) on February 2, 2022. The patient was a 68-year-old female, vaccinated, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on January 30, 2022. 

• The 301st COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at GRMC on February 7, 2022. The patient was an 83-year-old male, vaccinated, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on February 7, 2022. 

• The 302nd COVID-19-related fatality occurred at GRMC on February 8, 2022. The patient was an 81-year-old male, vaccinated, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on January 22, 2022. 

• The 303rd COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at the Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) on February 8, 2022. The patient was an 89-year-old female, vaccinated, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on February 8, 2022. 

“Josh and I convey our heartfelt sympathy to the families and loved ones of these men and women who have succumbed to this terrible virus,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “We take solace with a grieving community, and we will be sustained by our strength, and the love and support of those closest to us. We continue to keep watch over our most vulnerable, as pillars of protection and care to bolster our efforts to keep everyone safe.”

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE.

Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. 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

Serious chronic medical conditions include:

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Lung disease

• Obesity

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

• Chronic renal disease

• Neurologic or neurodevelopmental condition

• Current or former smoking

• Chronic liver disease

52 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 24 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 254 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 11 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: 594 New Cases of COVID-19 

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 594 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,547 specimens analyzed on February 8, 2022. 84 of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 38,050 officially reported cases, 303 deaths, 5,903 cases in active isolation, and 31,844 not in active isolation.

Tiyan COVID-19 Outreach Appointment-Based Testing

Community COVID-19 testing at the old carnival grounds in Tiyan, Barrigada is 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. 

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 

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 8, 2022, a total of 133,721 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This total includes 13,204 residents 12 – 17 years old. 6,952 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 4,722 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. An additional 151 residents received their booster shots and a total of 52,874 booster shots have been administered to eligible residents since September 29, 2021.