Two more coronavirus-related deaths in Guam

Guam reported two more COVID-19-related deaths when a man and a woman—both 61 years old and known COVID-19 positive cases—passed away yesterday and last Tuesday. The Guam government also announced that it will be giving $10,000 in assistance to families who have lost a loved one due to COVID-19.

A statement from Guam’s Joint Information Center said that Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has issued a new executive order that extends the public health emergency on the island for another month and will provide $10,000 to eligible families of those whose deaths were linked to COVID-19.

According to JIC, the purpose of the COVID-19 Bereavement Assistance Fund is to assist the families of individuals who have died due to COVID-19 or COVID-19-related complications. This one-time grant is worth $10,000 per decedent.

Guerrero stated that losing a family member under any circumstances can be “very difficult.” “These families are already grieving, and they should not have to worry about covering costs in their time of mourning,” she said.

Though the program is still in development, Leon Guerrero said that they need to do what they can to help those who are impacted by COVID-19. She said this program is meant to ease the unexpected financial burden that families have to endure.

“This program is meant to ease the unexpected financial burden placed on families who are scrambling for the resources necessary to bury their loved ones,” said Leon Guerrero.

Guam deaths

The JIC statement said that it was notified that Guam’s 47th COVID-19-related fatality occurred at the Guam Regional Medical City at approximately 2:35pm last Tuesday. The 61-year-old female was admitted to GRMC last Sept. 29 and was a known positive case.

Guam’s 48th COVID-19-related fatality—a 61-year-old man who had underlying health conditions that were intensified by COVID-19—was reported yesterday. He was admitted to the Guam Memorial Hospital last Sept. 15 after testing positive for COVID-19 at a private clinic. GMH pronounced him deceased at approximately 10:53am.

“[First gentleman] Jeff [Cook], Lt. Gov. Josh [Tenorio], and I express our deepest condolences. Though this loss can feel immeasurable, I hope that you find comfort and peace from those around you,” said Leon Guerrero.

She said it is difficult to deal with so much death in so few weeks, that all of Guam mourn with these families and will do what is necessary to ensure these 48 individuals did not “pass in vain.”