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Joint Information Center – JIC Release No. 1139
September 22, 2022, 4:25 p.m. (ChST)
COVID-19 Test Results: 14 New Cases, Nine Hospitalized; Additional COVID-19 Updates
Special Note: Joint Information Center (JIC) releases, as they relate to COVID-19 results, will transition to twice weekly updates as opposed to daily. Additional JIC releases throughout the week will be issued on an as needed basis. To view the most up to date COVID-19 information, including weekday surveillance summary reports, visit http://dphss.guam.gov/covid-19/.
COVID-19 Test Results: 14 New Cases Reported
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 14 new cases of COVID-19 from 386 specimens collected September 21, 2022. Two (2) of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 58,466 officially reported cases, 401 deaths, 172 cases in active isolation, and 57,893 not in active isolation.
Nine 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 5 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 16 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 3 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.
401st COVID-19-related Fatality Reported
The Joint Information Center was notified that Guam’s 401st COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City on September 15, 2022. The patient was a 17-year-old male, without any record of vaccination, who tested positive on September 15.
“Jeff, Josh, and I pray for his family, that they may find comfort in one another,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “While there are never enough words that can convey healing, we can be there for one another. Be sure to check on family and friends that are struggling with COVID-19 or have lost a loved one during these times. We remain in this fight and must do all we can to overcome it; wear your mask around those with health conditions, stay home and away from others if you are sick, and continue your vaccination series when it is your time.”
40 Cases with Variants of Concern Identified
Today, DPHSS received 40 new results from virus samples collected on Guam from July 8, 2022 to July 21, 2022, which have undergone genome sequencing by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of the 48 samples sent, 40 were identified as the Omicron Variant of Concern (VOC) and eight were inconclusive.
40 Variants of Concern:
· 32 BA.5 and
· 8 BA.2
To date, 934 SARS-CoV-2 virus samples have been submitted to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Hawaii DOH State Lab Division for genome sequencing and identified a total of 752 samples that detected variants of concern. Of the 934 samples shipped, 801 samples have been sequenced, 73 were determined inconclusive, and 50 are pending results.
Bivalent Boosters Available at DPHSS Vaccination Clinics
On September 2, 2022, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the use of new bivalent formulations of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines as a booster dose.
A single booster dose of bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (for individuals age 12 years and older) or bivalent Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (for individuals age 18 years and older) may be given at least 2 months after completion of a monovalent primary series or any prior monovalent booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. This new booster recommendation replaces all prior booster recommendations only for people 12 years and older. At this time, there is no change to the monovalent vaccine schedules for children age 6 months through 11 years. Children age 5 through 11 years who have received a Pfizer-BioNTech primary series should continue to receive one monovalent booster dose.
Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Available at Northern Region Community Health Center
On August 9, DPHSS received 100 doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the Novavax vaccine on July 13. According to the CDC, the Novavax vaccine is a two-dose adjuvanted vaccine that is administered intramuscularly in deltoid muscle in adults 18 years of age or older. The Novavax vaccine is a two-dose primary series with three to eight weeks between dose one and dose two. Currently, the Novavax vaccine is not authorized for any booster dose. Additionally, individuals who complete their primary series with two doses of Novavax vaccine are not eligible for a booster dose at this time. The Novavax vaccine will be available at the DPHSS Northern Region Community Health Center in Dededo.
DPHSS mAb Treatment Center Open at Paseo Stadium
Bebtelovimab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms) is available at the DPHSS mAb treatment center at the Paseo Stadium in Hagåtña from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closes for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
To schedule treatment at the DPHSS mAb treatment center, patients must call 671-998-4527 or 671-998-4547, have a current, laboratory confirmed COVID–19 infection and a referral from a prescribing physician. For more information about Bebtelovimab and other mAb treatment options on Guam, visit dphss.guam.gov/mab or dial 311 from a local number and select option 1 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 6 Months and Older Available at DPHSS CHCs
The Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines are authorized for use in children from six months of age and older. In most children, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children ages six months through five years will be a two-dose primary series with four to eight weeks between dose one and dose two. In most children, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages six months through four years will be a three-dose primary series three to eight weeks between dose one and dose two, and at least eight weeks between dose two and dose three. Requirements for minors to receive the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine at DPHSS vaccination clinics and outreach events:
A program administered by the government of Guam is providing incentives to individuals 12 years of age and older who maintain their COVID-19 vaccinations who are completing their last dose in primary series; OR receiving Monovalent Booster OR Bivalent Booster. Eligible residents will be offered an incentive (alcohol and tobacco items excluded) while supplies last. Gift certificates will only be offered at vaccination clinics at NRCHC, SRCHC, the Agana Shopping Center, and senior citizen outreach clinics, while supplies last.
Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update
As of September 21, 2022, 140,108 eligible residents (6 months and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,055residents 12 – 17 years old. 9,077 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of a two dose series. 7,447 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 249 residents 6 months – 4 years old have received their first dose of a two dose series. 70,667 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 12,706 eligible residents have received their second booster shots.
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For the latest information on COVID-19, visit dphss.guam.gov or guamrecovery.com. For inquiries, contact 311 through a local number, or call the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.
September 22, 2022, 4:25 p.m. (ChST)
COVID-19 Test Results: 14 New Cases, Nine Hospitalized; Additional COVID-19 Updates
Special Note: Joint Information Center (JIC) releases, as they relate to COVID-19 results, will transition to twice weekly updates as opposed to daily. Additional JIC releases throughout the week will be issued on an as needed basis. To view the most up to date COVID-19 information, including weekday surveillance summary reports, visit http://dphss.guam.gov/covid-19/.
COVID-19 Test Results: 14 New Cases Reported
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 14 new cases of COVID-19 from 386 specimens collected September 21, 2022. Two (2) of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 58,466 officially reported cases, 401 deaths, 172 cases in active isolation, and 57,893 not in active isolation.
Nine Hospitalized for COVID-19
| CENSUS as of 4 p.m. | GMH | GRMC | USNH | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 Admission | 8 | 1 | 0 | 9 |
| Pediatric Admissions | 1 | - | - | 1 |
| ICU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ventilator | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| VACCINATION STATUS | VACCINATED | UNVACCINATED | INELIGIBLE (Under 6 months old) |
| Hospitalized | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| Total in Population* | 140,108 | 12,505 | 1,223 |
| Rate per 100,000 Population | 5 | 16 | 0 |
401st COVID-19-related Fatality Reported
The Joint Information Center was notified that Guam’s 401st COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City on September 15, 2022. The patient was a 17-year-old male, without any record of vaccination, who tested positive on September 15.
“Jeff, Josh, and I pray for his family, that they may find comfort in one another,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “While there are never enough words that can convey healing, we can be there for one another. Be sure to check on family and friends that are struggling with COVID-19 or have lost a loved one during these times. We remain in this fight and must do all we can to overcome it; wear your mask around those with health conditions, stay home and away from others if you are sick, and continue your vaccination series when it is your time.”
40 Cases with Variants of Concern Identified
Today, DPHSS received 40 new results from virus samples collected on Guam from July 8, 2022 to July 21, 2022, which have undergone genome sequencing by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of the 48 samples sent, 40 were identified as the Omicron Variant of Concern (VOC) and eight were inconclusive.
40 Variants of Concern:
· 32 BA.5 and
· 8 BA.2
To date, 934 SARS-CoV-2 virus samples have been submitted to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Hawaii DOH State Lab Division for genome sequencing and identified a total of 752 samples that detected variants of concern. Of the 934 samples shipped, 801 samples have been sequenced, 73 were determined inconclusive, and 50 are pending results.
Bivalent Boosters Available at DPHSS Vaccination Clinics
On September 2, 2022, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the use of new bivalent formulations of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines as a booster dose.
A single booster dose of bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (for individuals age 12 years and older) or bivalent Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (for individuals age 18 years and older) may be given at least 2 months after completion of a monovalent primary series or any prior monovalent booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. This new booster recommendation replaces all prior booster recommendations only for people 12 years and older. At this time, there is no change to the monovalent vaccine schedules for children age 6 months through 11 years. Children age 5 through 11 years who have received a Pfizer-BioNTech primary series should continue to receive one monovalent booster dose.
- People must first complete at least a primary series with the original monovalent vaccine before receiving a single bivalent booster at least 2 months later.
- People may receive either brand of bivalent vaccine that is age-appropriate; there is no preference and no need to match the brand of the primary series.
- This recommendation is for a one-time booster. ACIP does not anticipate recommendations for frequent (e.g., every few months) booster doses of bivalent vaccine.
- COVID-19 vaccines may be co-administered with all other routinely recommended vaccines, including influenza vaccine.
Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Available at Northern Region Community Health Center
On August 9, DPHSS received 100 doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the Novavax vaccine on July 13. According to the CDC, the Novavax vaccine is a two-dose adjuvanted vaccine that is administered intramuscularly in deltoid muscle in adults 18 years of age or older. The Novavax vaccine is a two-dose primary series with three to eight weeks between dose one and dose two. Currently, the Novavax vaccine is not authorized for any booster dose. Additionally, individuals who complete their primary series with two doses of Novavax vaccine are not eligible for a booster dose at this time. The Novavax vaccine will be available at the DPHSS Northern Region Community Health Center in Dededo.
DPHSS mAb Treatment Center Open at Paseo Stadium
Bebtelovimab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms) is available at the DPHSS mAb treatment center at the Paseo Stadium in Hagåtña from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closes for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
To schedule treatment at the DPHSS mAb treatment center, patients must call 671-998-4527 or 671-998-4547, have a current, laboratory confirmed COVID–19 infection and a referral from a prescribing physician. For more information about Bebtelovimab and other mAb treatment options on Guam, visit dphss.guam.gov/mab or dial 311 from a local number and select option 1 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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FREE COVID-19 COMMUNITY TESTING Fill out a COVID-19 Testing Patient Assessment Form ahead of time, available at dphss.guam.gov/covid-19-testing. |
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Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. |
Old Carnival Grounds, Tiyan, Barrigada NO SYMPTOMS NEEDED TO TEST FOR COVID-19 Four adults per vehicle. Bring a photo ID.Travel-related testing will not be offered. |
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Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
DPHSS Southern Region Community Health Center (SRCHC), Inalåhan By appointment only for individuals with COVID-like symptoms. Four adults per vehicle. Bring a photo ID. Travel-related testing not offered. Call (671) 828-7604/5/7518. |
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Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. by appointment |
DPHSS Northern Region Community Health Center (NRCHC), Dededo By appointment only for individuals with COVID-like symptoms. Four adults per vehicle. Bring a photo ID. Call (671) 635-7525/6 to schedule an appointment. |
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Daily: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. |
Hyatt Regency Guam, Tumon Plaza Shopping Center - Dusit Beach Resort Guam, Tumon Bring a photo ID. *These sites will be closing on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 |
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FREE COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS MONOVALENT & BIVALENT BOOSTERS AVAILABLE - Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Novavax* |
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Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Agana Shopping Center (2nd Floor) – AGES 5 YEARS & OLDER ONLY Walk-in service only. Registration for appointments is no longer offered. Bring proof of identity. Last sign-in is at 2:30 p.m. or while supplies last. *Ths site will be closing on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 |
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Monday - Thursday BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Saturday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
DPHSS Northern Region Community Health Center (NRCHC), Dededo To schedule an appointment for COVID-19 vaccination at NRCHC, residents must call 671-635-7400 or 671-635-4410.Last vaccine will be administered 30 minutes before closing. Curbside vaccination available for people with disabilities. *Novavax COVD-19 vaccine available only at NRCHC. |
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Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
DPHSS Southern Region Community Health Center (SRCHC), Inalåhan Call (671) 828-7604/5/7518 to schedule an appointment. Last appointment is 30 minutes before closing. Priority is given to patients with appointments. Walk-ins welcome. |
The Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines are authorized for use in children from six months of age and older. In most children, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children ages six months through five years will be a two-dose primary series with four to eight weeks between dose one and dose two. In most children, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages six months through four years will be a three-dose primary series three to eight weeks between dose one and dose two, and at least eight weeks between dose two and dose three. Requirements for minors to receive the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine at DPHSS vaccination clinics and outreach events:
- Parent/legal guardian must provide minor’s birth certificate
- Parent/legal guardian must have a government-issued photo identification
- Minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Guardians must present legal guardianship or power-of-attorney documents
A program administered by the government of Guam is providing incentives to individuals 12 years of age and older who maintain their COVID-19 vaccinations who are completing their last dose in primary series; OR receiving Monovalent Booster OR Bivalent Booster. Eligible residents will be offered an incentive (alcohol and tobacco items excluded) while supplies last. Gift certificates will only be offered at vaccination clinics at NRCHC, SRCHC, the Agana Shopping Center, and senior citizen outreach clinics, while supplies last.
Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update
As of September 21, 2022, 140,108 eligible residents (6 months and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,055residents 12 – 17 years old. 9,077 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of a two dose series. 7,447 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 249 residents 6 months – 4 years old have received their first dose of a two dose series. 70,667 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 12,706 eligible residents have received their second booster shots.
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For the latest information on COVID-19, visit dphss.guam.gov or guamrecovery.com. For inquiries, contact 311 through a local number, or call the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.
