Wrangell city officials announced Saturday that another two residents had tested positive — both close contacts to recent cases — bringing the tally up to 15 people testing for COVID-19 within the community.
“This second new case is also a close contact of one of last week’s confirmed cases and is also a local resident,” a statement from the city released Saturday afternoon said. “Health officials have found evidence of community transmission of COVID-19 in Wrangell.”
That’s at least three new cases among residents in the last 24 hours. That brings the Southeast island community’s tally to 15 cases; nine of those have since recovered, officials said.
The city’s unified command says the recent new cases were close contacts of residents recently diagnosed.
Emergency officials are urging precautions to slow the spread of the coronavirus. And the recent uptick in cases statewide has led emergency officials to reinforce the importance of wearing masks in public, washing hands and maintaining six feet distance from others outside their household.
Free COVID-19 testing is available in Wrangell to all residents from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at SEARHC AICS Clinic.
Wrangell has established a COVID-19 hotline to answer questions: (907) 874-2684.
This story has been updated to reflect that two more cases have been announced since Friday afternoon.
