(DPHSS) — The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) confirmed two (2) cases of the EG.5 (Eris) COVID-19 Omicron subvariant on Friday, September 1, 2023. Available evidence suggests Eris to be transmissible, but not as severe. As DPHSS continues to monitor the situation, the community is encouraged to practice COVID-19 prevention measures e.g., wash your hands, wear a face mask in large social settings, and to social distance when possible.
Those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headaches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea and/or diarrhea, should stay home, except to seek medical care. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms you are reminded to get tested, and to self-quarantine at home while waiting for test results. Individuals may pick up at home test kits at Room Number 56 located in the Northern Regional Community Health Center in Dededo or the front desk of the Southern Regional Community Health Center in Inalahan, Monday through Friday, from the hours of 8 am to 5 pm. DPHSS reminds those who test positive for COVID-19 with an at home test kit to contact DPHSS right away.
DPHSS reminds those who test positive for COVID-19 with an at home test kit to contact DPHSS right away. Individuals can report their positive COVID-19 at home test result to [email protected] with the following information:
• Name
• Date of Birth
• Date of Test
• Result
• Contact Information
• Picture of the resulted test
• Isolate for 5 days, regardless of vaccination status, after symptom onset date or test collection date (if asymptomatic).
COVID-19 bivalent vaccinations and the current booster shots are available, at no cost to the community, at the Bureau of Non-Communicable Disease Control (BNCDC) located in the Terlaje Professional Building, Suite 103, 194 Hernan Cortez Avenue, Hagatna, Guam, Monday through Friday (except GovGuam Holidays) from 9 am to 2 pm (last call is 1:30 pm). Individuals must bring their COVID-19 vaccination card as well as a photo ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must provide their government photo ID and the minor’s birth certificate; meanwhile, legal guardians must present legal guardianship or power of attorney documents.
DPHSS is also informing those who are waiting for the new COVID-19 vaccine, that it will not be available until the end of September, 2023. The new COVID-19 vaccines will move onto the commercial market in the fall of 2023 and may come at a cost to individuals, depending on their health insurance plans.
