JIC RELEASE NO. 962 - Seven COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported; COVID-19 Test Results: 495 New Cases, 49 Hospitalized; UOG Vaccination Clinic to Close February 26

Seven COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported 

Today, the Joint Information Center was notified of seven (7) COVID-19-related fatalities:

• The 309th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) on February 4, 2022. The patient was a 51-year-old female, partially vaccinated, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on February 2, 2022. 
• The 310th COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at GRMC on February 10, 2022. The patient was a 44-year-old female, fully vaccinated, without a booster shot, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on February 5, 2022.
• The 311th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at GRMC on February 12, 2022. The patient was a 91-year-old male, unvaccinated, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on February 4, 2022.
• The 312th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at GRMC on February 12, 2022. The patient was a 65-year-old female, unvaccinated, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on February 3, 2022.
• The 313th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at GRMC on February 13, 2022. The patient was a 76-year-old male, fully vaccinated, without a booster shot, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on February 2, 2022.
• The 314th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at GRMC on February 15, 2022. The patient was a 52-year-old male, fully vaccinated, without a booster shot, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on February 11, 2022.
• The 315th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at GRMC on February 16, 2022. The patient was a 77-year-old male, fully vaccinated, with a booster shot, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on February 15, 2022.

“It is with heavy hearts we report more loss and sadness. To their family and friends, Jeff, Josh, and I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “If someone you love is showing symptoms of COVID, please get tested. We have the tools to save lives, and we must use them to our fullest extent.”

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

49 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 230 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 10 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: 495 New Cases of COVID-19 

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 495 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,508 specimens analyzed on February 15, 2022. 84 of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 41,386 officially reported cases, 315 deaths, 5,646 cases in active isolation, and 35,425 not in active isolation.

UOG Vaccination Clinic to Close February 26

The COVID-19 vaccination clinic operating at the University of Guam (UOG) Field House will be closing Saturday, February 26, 2022. The community is encouraged to schedule appointments now through tinyurl.com/vaxguam or visit the UOG clinic as a walk-in by or before Saturday, February 26. COVID-19 vaccination clinics will still be available to the community through the Northern Region Community Health Center (NRCHC) in Dededo and Southern Region Community Health Center in Inalahån (SRCHC). To schedule an appointment at NRCHC or SRCHC, visit tinyurl.com/covidstopswithme. 

DPHSS Issues COVID-19 Data Surveillance Update Report

Today, DPHSS Office of Epidemiology and Research and the COVID-19 Surveillance Unit issued a COVID-19 trends report for cases reported between January 1, 2022 and February 14, 2022. According to the report, the surge at the hospitals continues, with continued increases in the daily hospital census. There is an increase in the intensive care units, but remain less than 10 cases per day. Deaths appear sporadically. To view the DPHSS COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Report, CLICK HERE.

Food Commodities Distribution Continues

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 February 15, 2022, a total of 134,205 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This total includes 13,204 residents 12 – 17 years old. 7,172 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 5,019 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. An additional 122 residents received their booster shots and a total of 53,795 booster shots have been administered to eligible residents since September 29, 2021.