JIC RELEASE NO. 1149 - Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 84 New Cases Reported October 25–31, Three Hospitalized; COVID-19-related Fatalities Adjusted, Three COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported; Additional COVID-19 Updates

Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 84 New Cases Reported October 25–31

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 84 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,398 specimens analyzed from tests administered October 24–30, 2022:

• October 31: 3 of 133 test positive for COVID-19

• October 30: 12 of 101 test positive for COVID-19

• October 29: 13 of 213 test positive for COVID-19

• October 28: 16 of 234 test positive for COVID-19

• October 27: 15 of 213 test positive for COVID-19

• October 26: 11 of 236 test positive for COVID-19

• October 25: 14 of 268 test positive for COVID-19

To date, there have been a total of 58,835 officially reported cases, 403 deaths, 72 cases in active isolation, and 58,360 not in active isolation.

Three Hospitalized for COVID-19

COVID-19-related Fatalities Adjusted, Three COVID-19-related Fatalities Reported

The Joint Information Center was notified of three (3) COVID-19-related fatalities:

• The 401st COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) on September 15, 2022. The patient was a 17-year-old male, with unknown vaccination status, who tested positive on September 15.  

• The 402nd COVID-19-related fatality died at home on September 9, 2022. The patient was a 92-year-old female, fully vaccinated without a booster, with underlying health conditions, who tested positive on August 16. 

• The 403rd COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at GRMC on October 13, 2022. The patient was a 39-year-old male, with no record of vaccination, who tested positive on October 13.

“To their families and friends, Josh, Jeff, and I offer our prayers for comfort during this difficult time,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “As we prepare to celebrate the holidays, it is important to remember that COVID-19 remains present. Practice your safety measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the most vulnerable in our community.”

43 Cases with Variants of Concern Identified

On Oct. 26, 2022, DPHSS received 43 new results from virus samples collected on Guam on August 22, 2022 to September 1, 2022, which have undergone genome sequencing by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of the 50 samples sent, 43 were identified as the Omicron Variant of Concern (VOC) and seven were inconclusive. The breakdown is as follows:

43 Omicron (VOC)

• 42 BA.5

•  1 BA.2

To date, 934 SARS-CoV-2 virus samples have been submitted to the CDC and the Hawaii DOH State Lab Division for genome sequencing and identified a total of 795 samples that detected variants of concern. Of the 934 samples, 844 samples have been sequenced, 80 were determined inconclusive, 10 were rejected by Hawaii DOH State Lab, and 0 are pending results.

COVID-19 Community Testing at Tiyan Ended; 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.

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 (for individuals age 5 years and older) or bivalent Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (for individuals age 6 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. At this time, there is no change to the monovalent vaccine schedules for children age 6 months through 4 years. Monovalent mRNA vaccines are no longer authorized as a booster dose for people ages 5 years and older. 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.

The updated Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna bivalent boosters are available at the DPHSS vaccination clinics at The Plaza Shopping Center, NRCHC, SRCHC, and our extended outreach vaccination events.
 

Novavax COVID-19 Primary Dose and Monovalent Booster Available Only at Northern and Southern Region Community Health Centers
On October 19, 2022, the CDC signed a decision memo allowing Novavax monovalent COVID-19 boosters for adults ages 18 years and older the option to receive a Novavax monovalent booster instead of an updated (bivalent) Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna booster if they have completed primary series vaccination but have not previously received a COVID-19 booster—and if they cannot or will not receive mRNA vaccines. Some may be unable to receive an mRNA vaccine as a result of an allergy to a component of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, or as a result of a history of a severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, or a lack of availability of an mRNA vaccine. People ages 18 and older may also choose to receive a Novavax monovalent booster if they are unwilling to receive mRNA vaccines, and would otherwise not receive a booster dose. The Novavax primary dose and booster are only available at the DPHSS Community Health Centers in Dededo and Inalåhan.

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:

• 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

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update – As of October 31, 2022

As of October 31, 2022, 140,389 eligible residents (6 months and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,218 residents 12 – 17 years old. 9,182 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of a two dose series. 7,551 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 269 residents 6 months – 5 years old have received their first dose of a two dose series. 82,817 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 13,165 eligible residents have received their second booster shots.