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Joint Information Center – JIC Release No. 1156
December 19, 2022, 5 p.m. (ChST)
Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 135 New Cases Reported December 13–19; Seven Hospitalized; One COVID-19-related Fatality Reported; Additional COVID-19 Updates
Special Note: Joint Information Center (JIC) releases, as they relate to COVID-19 results, are issued on Mondays. Additional JIC releases throughout the week will be issued on an as needed basis, only. To view the most up to date COVID-19 information, including weekday surveillance summary reports, visit http://dphss.guam.gov/covid-19/
Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 135 New Cases Reported December 13 – 19
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 135 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,219specimens analyzed from tests administered December 12 – 18, 2022:
Seven Hospitalized for COVID-19
COVID-19-related Fatalities Adjusted, One COVID-19-related Fatality Reported
The Joint Information Center was notified that Guam’s 411th COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at the U.S. Naval Hospital on November 16, 2022. The patient was an 88-year-old male, without a record of vaccination, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on November 16.
“Jeff, Josh, and I pray for his family, that they may find comfort in one another during this difficult time,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “Although the holidays are a time to celebrate, we must remember those that are grieving during this period and comfort loved ones that need it most.”
DPHSS Closes COVID-19 Treatment Center at the Paseo Stadium
Effective Monday, December 5, 2022, DPHSS closed the COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Center at the Paseo Stadium in Hagåtña. Bebtelovimab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb), had been offered for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients. It will no longer be offered in Guam as a treatment for COVID-19 due to the high proportion of resistant variants. There are currently no authorized monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 at this time. Paxlovid and Molnupiravir remain effective treatments against currently circulating variants and emerging variants.
To receive the oral treatments, you must have a current laboratory confirmed COVID-19 infection and a referral from a prescribing physician. For more information, call 311 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. or call 671-998-4527 or 671-998-4547.
COVID-19 Testing Available at The Plaza Shopping Center
Residents may seek free COVID-19 testing at The Plaza Shopping Center in the Dusit Beach Resort from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m, Monday through Saturday, except on observed Government of Guam holidays. Those who need ADA accommodations for curbside testing in their vehicles may call 671-998-4530. No symptoms are needed for COVID-19 testing at The Plaza Shopping Center. Additional COVID Testing sites are listed below:
Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters Available
Infants 6 months and older are eligible to receive the Moderna COVID-19 bivalent booster at the Guam Community Health Centers in Dededo and Inalåhan. DPHSS encourages residents of all ages to be up to date on their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations and boosters in order to protect their friends and family this holiday season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting an omicron-specific (bivalent) booster, which targets the original strain of the coronavirus as well as more recently circulating variants (BA.4 and BA.5). The original vaccines, called monovalent vaccines, will no longer be available as booster doses. Only the Moderna COVID-19 bivalent booster is available to infants 6 months and older, who completed their Moderna primary series.
The Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent vaccine is recommended for individuals 6 months to 4 years of age as the third dose to complete the primary series, at least two months since the second shot in their primary series. A booster dose is not authorized for children in this age group who already completed the Pfizer 3-dose primary series. The Pfizer bivalent booster is also available to individuals 5 years of age or older, regardless of which vaccine was taken for their primary series or monovalent booster as long as it has been at least two months since they have completed their primary vaccination series or since they have received the monovalent COVID-19 booster dose.
The Moderna COVID-19 bivalent vaccine is recommended for individuals 6 months to 5 years if they received the Moderna monovalent vaccine as their primary series and it has been at least two months since the last dose in their primary series. The Moderna bivalent booster is also available to individuals 6 years of age or older, regardless of which vaccine was taken for their primary series or booster as long as it has been at least two months since they have completed their primary vaccination series or since they have received the monovalent COVID-19 booster dose.
The most important thing residents can do to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19 and the flu this holiday season is to be up to date with their vaccinations.
The updated Pfizer BioNTech bivalent vaccine and Moderna bivalent boosters are available at the DPHSS vaccination clinics at The Plaza Shopping Center, NRCHC, SRCHC, and our extended outreach vaccination events.
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:
As of December 9, 2022, 140,737 eligible residents (6 months and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,314residents 12 – 17 years old. 9,287 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of a two dose series. 7,658 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 321 residents 6 months – 5 years old have received their first dose of a two dose series. 82,906 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 13,946 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.
December 19, 2022, 5 p.m. (ChST)
Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 135 New Cases Reported December 13–19; Seven Hospitalized; One COVID-19-related Fatality Reported; Additional COVID-19 Updates
Special Note: Joint Information Center (JIC) releases, as they relate to COVID-19 results, are issued on Mondays. Additional JIC releases throughout the week will be issued on an as needed basis, only. To view the most up to date COVID-19 information, including weekday surveillance summary reports, visit http://dphss.guam.gov/covid-19/
Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 135 New Cases Reported December 13 – 19
Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 135 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,219specimens analyzed from tests administered December 12 – 18, 2022:
- December 19: 4 of 131 test positive for COVID-19
- December 18: 13 of 104 test positive for COVID-19
- December 17: 16 of 182 test positive for COVID-19
- December 16: 26 of 195 test positive for COVID-19
- December 15: 23 of 183 test positive for COVID-19
- December 14: 25 of 194 test positive for COVID-19
- December 13: 28 of 230 test positive for COVID-19
Seven Hospitalized for COVID-19
| CENSUS as of 4 p.m. | GMH | GRMC | USNH | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 Admission | 6 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
| Pediatric Admissions | 0 | - | - | 0 |
| ICU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ventilator | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
COVID-19-related Fatalities Adjusted, One COVID-19-related Fatality Reported
The Joint Information Center was notified that Guam’s 411th COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at the U.S. Naval Hospital on November 16, 2022. The patient was an 88-year-old male, without a record of vaccination, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on November 16.
“Jeff, Josh, and I pray for his family, that they may find comfort in one another during this difficult time,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “Although the holidays are a time to celebrate, we must remember those that are grieving during this period and comfort loved ones that need it most.”
DPHSS Closes COVID-19 Treatment Center at the Paseo Stadium
Effective Monday, December 5, 2022, DPHSS closed the COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Center at the Paseo Stadium in Hagåtña. Bebtelovimab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb), had been offered for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients. It will no longer be offered in Guam as a treatment for COVID-19 due to the high proportion of resistant variants. There are currently no authorized monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 at this time. Paxlovid and Molnupiravir remain effective treatments against currently circulating variants and emerging variants.
To receive the oral treatments, you must have a current laboratory confirmed COVID-19 infection and a referral from a prescribing physician. For more information, call 311 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. or call 671-998-4527 or 671-998-4547.
COVID-19 Testing Available at The Plaza Shopping Center
Residents may seek free COVID-19 testing at The Plaza Shopping Center in the Dusit Beach Resort from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m, Monday through Saturday, except on observed Government of Guam holidays. Those who need ADA accommodations for curbside testing in their vehicles may call 671-998-4530. No symptoms are needed for COVID-19 testing at The Plaza Shopping Center. Additional COVID Testing sites are listed below:
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FREE COVID-19 COMMUNITY TESTING Fill out a COVID-19 Testing Patient Assessment Form ahead of time: dphss.guam.gov/covid-19-testing. Drive-through sites may close during lightning and inclement weather. Please visit our indoor test sites in Tumon. |
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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. Closed on observed Government of Guam Holidays: Dec. 26 and Jan. 02 |
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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. Closed on observed Government of Guam Holidays: Dec. 26 and Jan. 02 |
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Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. |
The Plaza Shopping Center - Dusit Beach Resort Guam, Tumon Those needing ADA accommodations for curbside testing in their vehicles may call 671-998-4530. No symptoms are needed for COVID-19 testing. Bring a photo ID. Closed on observed Government of Guam Holidays: Dec. 26 and Jan. 02 |
Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters Available
Infants 6 months and older are eligible to receive the Moderna COVID-19 bivalent booster at the Guam Community Health Centers in Dededo and Inalåhan. DPHSS encourages residents of all ages to be up to date on their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations and boosters in order to protect their friends and family this holiday season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting an omicron-specific (bivalent) booster, which targets the original strain of the coronavirus as well as more recently circulating variants (BA.4 and BA.5). The original vaccines, called monovalent vaccines, will no longer be available as booster doses. Only the Moderna COVID-19 bivalent booster is available to infants 6 months and older, who completed their Moderna primary series.
The Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent vaccine is recommended for individuals 6 months to 4 years of age as the third dose to complete the primary series, at least two months since the second shot in their primary series. A booster dose is not authorized for children in this age group who already completed the Pfizer 3-dose primary series. The Pfizer bivalent booster is also available to individuals 5 years of age or older, regardless of which vaccine was taken for their primary series or monovalent booster as long as it has been at least two months since they have completed their primary vaccination series or since they have received the monovalent COVID-19 booster dose.
The Moderna COVID-19 bivalent vaccine is recommended for individuals 6 months to 5 years if they received the Moderna monovalent vaccine as their primary series and it has been at least two months since the last dose in their primary series. The Moderna bivalent booster is also available to individuals 6 years of age or older, regardless of which vaccine was taken for their primary series or booster as long as it has been at least two months since they have completed their primary vaccination series or since they have received the monovalent COVID-19 booster dose.
The most important thing residents can do to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19 and the flu this holiday season is to be up to date with their vaccinations.
The updated Pfizer BioNTech bivalent vaccine and Moderna bivalent boosters are available at the DPHSS vaccination clinics at The Plaza Shopping Center, NRCHC, SRCHC, and our extended outreach vaccination events.
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FREE COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS MONOVALENT & BIVALENT BOOSTERS AVAILABLE - Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Novavax* |
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Monday - Thursday BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Saturday BY APPOINTMENT ONLY |
DPHSS Northern Region Community Health Center (NRCHC), Dededo To schedule an appointment for COVID-19 vaccination at NRCHC, call 671-635-7525 or 671-635-7400. Curbside vaccination available for people with disabilities. Bring a photo ID. *Novavax COVD-19 primary dose and monovalent booster available only at the Community Health Centers in Dededo and Inalåhan Closed on observed Government of Guam Holidays: Dec. 26 and Jan. 02 |
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Monday - Friday BY APPOINTMENT ONLY |
DPHSS Southern Region Community Health Center (SRCHC), Inalåhan Call 671-828-7604/5/7518 to schedule an appointment. Bring a photo ID. *Novavax COVD-19 primary dose and monovalent booster available only at the Community Health Centers in Dededo and Inalåhan Closed on observed Government of Guam Holidays. |
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Monday - Wedneday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 2 p.m. - 4 p.m Thursday - Friday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 1 p.m. - 3 p.m |
The Plaza Shopping Center - Dusit Beach Resort Guam, Tumon Last vaccine will be administered 30 minutes before closing. Walk-ins welcome. Bring a photo ID. Closed on observed Government of Guam Holidays: Dec. 26 and Jan. 02 |
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Thursday - Friday 4 p.m. - 6 p.m |
Skinner’s Plaza - Hagåtña Last vaccine will be administered 30 minutes before closing. Bring a photo ID. For infants 6 months and older. |
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:
- 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
As of December 9, 2022, 140,737 eligible residents (6 months and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,314residents 12 – 17 years old. 9,287 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of a two dose series. 7,658 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 321 residents 6 months – 5 years old have received their first dose of a two dose series. 82,906 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 13,946 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.
