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Joint Information Center – JIC Release No. 1168
March 13, 2023, 6:10 p.m. (ChST)
COVID-19 Testing at The Agana Shopping Center Ended March 10; Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 27 New Cases Reported Mar. 8–13; Two Hospitalized; Additional COVID-19 Updates
DPHSS Ended Free COVID-19 Testing at Agana Shopping Center
Friday, March 10, 2023 was the last day the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) offered free COVID-19 testing for residents. For COVID-19 testing, residents may order free COVID-19 rapid test kits through USPS or through their health insurance. COVID-19 testing is also available through private clinics or the DPHSS Community Health Centers in Dededo or Inalåhan. Please call these clinics to schedule and to inquire on fees.
Report Positive COVID-19 At-home Test Results to DPHSS
Report positive COVID-19 at-home and over the counter (OTC) test results to DPHSS via email: dphss.surveillance@dphss.guam.gov. You must report your positive result within 24 hours and provide the following information:
For more information, CLICK HERE or visit dphss.guam.gov/covid-19-testing/
Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 27 New Cases Reported March 8–13
Today, DPHSS reported 27 new cases of COVID-19 from 672 specimens analyzed from tests administered March 7–12, 2023:
Two Hospitalized for COVID-19
Treating COVID-19 with Oral Medications Available by Prescription
Oral treatments are available that can reduce your chances of being hospitalized or dying from the disease. Medications to treat COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and must be started within days of when you first develop symptoms to be effective. Paxlovid and Molnupiravir remain effective treatments against currently circulating variants and emerging variants. To receive the oral treatments, you must have either a current home test showing your positive test result for a COVID-19 infection or 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.
Get Rapid Test Kits Through USPS, Insurance
Every home in the U.S. can order four free at-home tests using COVIDtests.gov or 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489), while supplies last. USPS distributes free at-home COVID-19 tests, including tests that come with accessibility options for people who are blind or have low vision. These more accessible tests work with a smartphone app to provide audio instructions and audio test results. Place your order for more accessible free tests online or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
Most people with a health plan can get an at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 test from a pharmacy. Check your health insurance for more information. As long as the test kit is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many insurance plans will cover the cost or reimburse you.
Private Sector Organizations and Clinics Reserve Right to Continue Use of Face Masks
DPHSS Guidance Memo 2022-12 issued on May 2, 2022 rescinded the order to require people to mask up in public settings. Although Guam’s public health emergency was lifted by Executive Order 2023-01 on Jan. 6, 2023, private establishments, clinics, and hospitals reserve their right to continue the use of face masks.
All people are encouraged to continue to consider CDC guidance and use. The CDC recommends indoor masking for all only in communities deemed to be at high risk for COVID-19 based on hospitalizations, local hospital capacity, and new infections. As of March 2, 2023, Guam’s COVID Community Level Risk is low.
Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters Available
Infants 6 months and older are eligible to receive the Moderna COVID-19 bivalent booster at all DPHSS vaccination clinics. 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.
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 updated Pfizer BioNTech bivalent vaccine and Moderna bivalent boosters are available at all DPHSS vaccination clinics at The Agana Shopping Center, NRCHC, SRCHC, and our extended outreach vaccination events.
Incentives Offered for COVID-19 Vaccination Series Completion and Bivalent Boosters
A CDC grant awarded to DPHSS titled “Guam's Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities (HDG)” is providing incentives to individuals who are completing their last dose in the primary series OR receiving their Bivalent Booster. Eligible residents will be offered a $20 gift certificate (alcohol and tobacco items excluded), while supplies last. Gift certificates will be offered at all DPHSS vaccination sites, while supplies last.
Worksite Vaccinations Available Through DPHSS Health Disparities Grant Program
Organizations that would like to arrange COVID-19 vaccination at the worksite, the DPHSS Mobile Outreach Team is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, excluding observed Government of Guam holidays. To schedule, please call 671-797-6059.
COVID-19 Vaccinations Available for Homebound Individuals by Calling 311, Option 2
For persons with disabilities and senior citizens, call 311 option 2 for information on vaccination sites and hours, and to arrange in-home vaccinations for homebound individuals.
Bivalent Boosters Available at DPHSS Vaccination Clinics
On October 12, 2022, the CDC’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 or bivalent Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be given at least 2 months after completion of a monovalent primary series or any prior monovalent booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. 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.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 6 Months and Older Available at all DPHSS Vaccination Clinics
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 March 10, 2023, 141,174 eligible residents (6 months and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,408residents 12 – 17 years old. 9,449 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of a two dose series. 7,793 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 408 residents 6 months – 5 years old have received their first dose of a two dose series. 82,981 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 15,125 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.
March 13, 2023, 6:10 p.m. (ChST)
COVID-19 Testing at The Agana Shopping Center Ended March 10; Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 27 New Cases Reported Mar. 8–13; Two Hospitalized; Additional COVID-19 Updates
DPHSS Ended Free COVID-19 Testing at Agana Shopping Center
Friday, March 10, 2023 was the last day the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) offered free COVID-19 testing for residents. For COVID-19 testing, residents may order free COVID-19 rapid test kits through USPS or through their health insurance. COVID-19 testing is also available through private clinics or the DPHSS Community Health Centers in Dededo or Inalåhan. Please call these clinics to schedule and to inquire on fees.
Report Positive COVID-19 At-home Test Results to DPHSS
Report positive COVID-19 at-home and over the counter (OTC) test results to DPHSS via email: dphss.surveillance@dphss.guam.gov. You must report your positive result within 24 hours and provide the following information:
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Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 27 New Cases Reported March 8–13
Today, DPHSS reported 27 new cases of COVID-19 from 672 specimens analyzed from tests administered March 7–12, 2023:
- March 13: 2 of 46 test positive for COVID-19
- March 12: 2 of 51 test positive for COVID-19
- March 11: 5 of 263 tests positive for COVID-19
- March 10: 9 of 106 test positive for COVID-19
- March 9: 8 of 136 tests positive for COVID-19
- March 8: 1 of 70 tests positive for COVID-19
Two Hospitalized for COVID-19
| CENSUS as of 4 p.m. | GMH | GRMC | USNH | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 Admission | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Pediatric Admissions | 0 | - | - | 0 |
| ICU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ventilator | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Treating COVID-19 with Oral Medications Available by Prescription
Oral treatments are available that can reduce your chances of being hospitalized or dying from the disease. Medications to treat COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and must be started within days of when you first develop symptoms to be effective. Paxlovid and Molnupiravir remain effective treatments against currently circulating variants and emerging variants. To receive the oral treatments, you must have either a current home test showing your positive test result for a COVID-19 infection or 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.
Get Rapid Test Kits Through USPS, Insurance
Every home in the U.S. can order four free at-home tests using COVIDtests.gov or 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489), while supplies last. USPS distributes free at-home COVID-19 tests, including tests that come with accessibility options for people who are blind or have low vision. These more accessible tests work with a smartphone app to provide audio instructions and audio test results. Place your order for more accessible free tests online or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
Most people with a health plan can get an at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 test from a pharmacy. Check your health insurance for more information. As long as the test kit is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many insurance plans will cover the cost or reimburse you.
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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. |
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Monday - Friday 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. Call 671-635-7525/6 to schedule an appointment. Bring a photo ID. |
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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. Travel-related testing not offered. Call 671-828-7604/5/7518. Bring a photo ID. |
Private Sector Organizations and Clinics Reserve Right to Continue Use of Face Masks
DPHSS Guidance Memo 2022-12 issued on May 2, 2022 rescinded the order to require people to mask up in public settings. Although Guam’s public health emergency was lifted by Executive Order 2023-01 on Jan. 6, 2023, private establishments, clinics, and hospitals reserve their right to continue the use of face masks.
All people are encouraged to continue to consider CDC guidance and use. The CDC recommends indoor masking for all only in communities deemed to be at high risk for COVID-19 based on hospitalizations, local hospital capacity, and new infections. As of March 2, 2023, Guam’s COVID Community Level Risk is low.
Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters Available
Infants 6 months and older are eligible to receive the Moderna COVID-19 bivalent booster at all DPHSS vaccination clinics. 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.
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 updated Pfizer BioNTech bivalent vaccine and Moderna bivalent boosters are available at all DPHSS vaccination clinics at The Agana 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: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. By Appointment 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Walk-in Saturday CLOSED on Sat., 3/18 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. By Appointment 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Walk-in |
DPHSS Northern Region Community Health Center (NRCHC), Dededo Until May 31, or until supplies last, NRCHC is offering a special COVID-19 vaccination schedule on a walk-in basis, in addition to taking appointments. 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. Last vaccination will be administered 30 minutes before closing. Bring a photo ID. *Novavax COVD-19 primary dose and monovalent booster available only at the Community Health Center in Dededo. |
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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 Center in Dededo. |
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Monday –Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
The Agana Shopping Center, 2nd Floor, Route 4, Hagåtña Last vaccine will be administered 30 minutes before closing. Walk-ins only. Bring a photo ID. Available for adults and children 6 months and older. |
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Friday, March 17 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. or until supplies last |
Ordot-Chalan Pago Community Center, Ordot Last vaccine will be administered 30 minutes before closing. Walk-ins only. Bring a photo ID. Available for adults and children 6 months and older. |
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Friday, April 7 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. or until supplies last |
Dededo Community Center, Dededo Last vaccine will be administered 30 minutes before closing. Walk-ins only. Bring a photo ID. Available for adults and children 6 months and older. |
Incentives Offered for COVID-19 Vaccination Series Completion and Bivalent Boosters
A CDC grant awarded to DPHSS titled “Guam's Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities (HDG)” is providing incentives to individuals who are completing their last dose in the primary series OR receiving their Bivalent Booster. Eligible residents will be offered a $20 gift certificate (alcohol and tobacco items excluded), while supplies last. Gift certificates will be offered at all DPHSS vaccination sites, while supplies last.
Worksite Vaccinations Available Through DPHSS Health Disparities Grant Program
Organizations that would like to arrange COVID-19 vaccination at the worksite, the DPHSS Mobile Outreach Team is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, excluding observed Government of Guam holidays. To schedule, please call 671-797-6059.
COVID-19 Vaccinations Available for Homebound Individuals by Calling 311, Option 2
For persons with disabilities and senior citizens, call 311 option 2 for information on vaccination sites and hours, and to arrange in-home vaccinations for homebound individuals.
Bivalent Boosters Available at DPHSS Vaccination Clinics
On October 12, 2022, the CDC’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 or bivalent Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be given at least 2 months after completion of a monovalent primary series or any prior monovalent booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. 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.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 6 Months and Older Available at all DPHSS Vaccination Clinics
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 March 10, 2023, 141,174 eligible residents (6 months and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,408residents 12 – 17 years old. 9,449 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of a two dose series. 7,793 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 408 residents 6 months – 5 years old have received their first dose of a two dose series. 82,981 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 15,125 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.
