2 COVID-19 deaths in Guam

Guam suffered successive blows yesterday with the death of two more patients from COVID-19-related complications, with the two deaths occurring just an hour and a half apart.

Guam’s tally of COVID-19-related fatalities, which reached 26 last Sunday with Guam’s youngest COVID-19 death, a 10-year-old boy, went up to 27 yesterday at approximately 3pm, when a 45-year-old female with underlying health conditions passed away at the Guam Memorial Hospital. She was initially admitted to GMH on Aug. 17 and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.

Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero later issued a statement through the Joint Information Center. “As we mourn the passing of this woman, we must also remember her for the life she lived. To her family, friends, and those who cherished her, [first gentleman] Jeff [Cook], Lt. Gov. Josh [Tenorio], and I send our deepest condolences and sympathies,” said Leon Guerrero. “What we are seeing among COVID-19 deaths across the nation are rapid declines in health, sudden deaths, and the inability to be with loved ones in their final moments. COVID-19 has changed the way we mourn—we can’t grieve with family, we can’t comfort each other, and we can’t hold each other. I urge everyone to do what they need to do to prevent any more losses.” 

Later at 4:30pm, an 84-year-old male passed away also at GMH, making him Guam’s 28th COVID-19-related fatality. The patient had underlying health conditions. He was initially admitted to GMH on Sept. 3 and tested positive for COVID-19 during initial work-up. 

“Our grief continues as we lose another to COVID-19. Jeff, Lt. Gov. Josh, and I express our sincerest condolences and sympathies to his family and friends, and they will remain in our thoughts and prayers,” said Leon Guerrero. “I know these announcements have taken their toll on us all, but I want you to know that you are not alone. The virus may be cruel, but it is not stronger than the love we have for each other. Our island must remain committed to protecting each other and keeping each other safe. That is the only way we can get through this.”  

Construction resumes

After reviewing operational plans and inspecting construction facilities to ensure that COVID-19 mitigation measures were in place and the health of the workers were prioritized, the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services issued a directive yesterday to authorize all construction companies to resume operations with the exception of those who were notified of a pending inspection, or need to submit additional documentation, before they may operate. This authorization was effective yesterday, Sept. 15. (Saipan Tribune)