COVID cases are going up. In the past week, the island grieved over 3 COVID-related deaths, and Public Health Officials show some concern over the recent uptick.
PNC’s Devin Eligio has the update…
Dr. Anne Pobutsky, Territorial Epidemiologist stated, “As you can see we’re going in the wrong direction. We’re kind of above where we were in March when we were coming out of Omicron.”
Data was released at today’s Public Health meeting, showing that in the year 2021, COVID 19 was the third leading cause of death — right below heart disease and cancer.
While hospitalizations remain low and no one is currently admitted into the ICU, Guam has seen 3 deaths in the past 7 days.
The recent uptick calls into question, whether or not the public should be concerned of the rise in cases with the easing of restrictions and attitudes toward the virus along with the protection of vaccinations.
To answer this, Interim Medical Officer Robert Leon Guerrero enforces what Public Health constantly reminds the community — “it is not over.”
Dr. Robert Leon Guerrero, Interim Chief Medical Officer stated, “There are no new recommendations. The recommendations are still the–basically the same. They’re actually trying to treat this as a, you know, it’s a done deal that we don’t have to worry as much, but we still need to be cognizant of the fact that it’s still out there.”
Dr. Leon Guerrero further shared that it’s his personal practice that he wears a mask everywhere in public despite the lift of the mandates.
There’s nothing new with what has been recommended to the public since the start of the pandemic.
Those most at risk for the virus are reminded to get your vaccination series from DPHSS Community Health Centers
Because there are no new recommendations issued by Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the World Health Organization — the same message is repeated to the public.
Wear a mask, watch your distance, and wash your hands.
For the Pacific News Center
I’m Devin Eligio
