JIC RELEASE NO. 1150 - Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 104 New Cases Reported November 1–7, Two Hospitalized; Governor Leon Guerrero Signs Executive Order No. 2022-24; One COVID-19-related Fatality Reported; Additional COVID-19 Updates

Cumulative COVID-19 Test Results: 104 New Cases Reported November 1–7

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 104 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,469 specimens analyzed from tests administered October 30 – November 6, 2022:

• November 7: 4 of 142 test positive for COVID-19

• November 6: 9 of 134 test positive for COVID-19

• November 5: 19 of 165 test positive for COVID-19

• November 4: 24 of 285 test positive for COVID-19

• November 3: 11 of 269 test positive for COVID-19

• November 2: 22 of 216 test positive for COVID-19

• November 1: 15 of 258 test positive for COVID-19

To date, there have been a total of 58,939 officially reported cases, 404 deaths, 80 cases in active isolation, and 58,455 not in active isolation.

Two Hospitalized for COVID-19

Governor Leon Guerrero Signs Executive Order No. 2022-24

On November 5, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed Executive Order No. 2022-24, relative to extending the public health emergency. Effective November 6, 2022, the public health emergency declaration is scheduled to expire on December 6, 2022, and orders such that in anticipation of a target end date for the public health emergency on January 11, 2023, affected agencies are instructed to coordinate transition measures and provide information to individuals affected by any consequent change in services.

COVID-19-related Fatalities Adjusted, One COVID-19-related Fatality Reported

The Joint Information Center was notified that Guam’s 404th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City on October 11, 2022. The patient was an 86-year-old male, fully vaccinated with two boosters, with underlying health conditions who tested positive on October 1.

“Jeff, Josh, and I extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “The efforts to put an end to this public health emergency must continue. Individual measures include staying home if you are sick, getting tested, and seeking available treatment if needed.”
 

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 November 7, 2022, 140,508 eligible residents (6 months and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,266 residents 12 – 17 years old. 9,201 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of a two dose series. 7,564 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 281 residents 6 months – 5 years old have received their first dose of a two dose series. 82,874 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 13,356 eligible residents have received their second booster shots.