JIC RELEASE NO. 967 - 317th COVID-19-related Fatality Reported; Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 274 New Cases, 44 Hospitalized; No Symptoms Needed to Test for COVID-19

317th COVID-19-related Fatality Reported

Today, the Joint Information Center was notified that Guam’s 317th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) on February 19, 2022. The patient was a 74-year-old male, with no known vaccination, who had underlying health conditions and tested positive on February 12.

“We are yet again faced with the harsh reality that this virus continues to take from us. For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, Jeff, Josh, and I extend our deepest sympathies and prayers,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “We must continue with the public health interventions that have helped us gain ground throughout this pandemic. Please get vaccinated and boosted if it’s your time and keep a close watch on vulnerable family members. Testing is open to all and life saving treatments are available.”

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

44 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 22 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 211 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.

Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 274 New Cases Reported February 19 – 21

From February 19-21, 2022, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 274 new cases of COVID-19. The 274 new cases does not include cases previously reported in JIC Release No. 965 and 966. The breakdown of the cumulative results is below:
 

• February 21: 59 of 189 test positive for COVID-19

• February 20: 232 of 836 test positive for COVID-19 (141 cases previously reported). 

• February 19: 303 of 392 test positive for COVID-19 (179 cases previously reported).

To date, there have been a total of 42,818 officially reported cases, 317 deaths, 3,505 cases in active isolation, and 38,996 not in active isolation.

No Symptoms Needed to Test for COVID-19 

In the past week, DPHSS has received adequate supplies of test kits to offer COVID-19 testing to the public. No symptoms are needed to test at the Tiyan community testing site. DPHSS has since rescinded its COVID-19 Testing - Screening Guide Memorandum. However, COVID-19 testing at DPHSS Northern Region Community Health Center (NRCHC) and Southern Region Community Health Center (SRCHC) will continue to be offered to only symptomatic patients and close contacts by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, visit tinyurl.com/covidstopswithme. 

Mangilao mAb Treatment Center Reopens

The monoclonal antibody therapy (mAb) Treatment Center located at the Mangilao Senior Citizens Center in Mangilao has reopened for COVID-19 therapeutic services. The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m Monday through Saturday. Patients must receive a referral from a physician in order to qualify for treatment at the Mangilao mAb Treatment Center. 

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update

As of February 20, 2022, a total of 134,499 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. This total includes 13,204 residents 12 – 17 years old. 7,283 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 5,199 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. An additional 338 residents have received their booster shots and a total of 54,303 booster shots have been administered to eligible residents since September 29, 2021.

Click here to view UPDATED COVID TREATMENTS