This written report is not a full transcript, it’s just the highlights. Please listen to the audio for the full report.

New interstate protocols went into effect this week. All non residents must now arrive with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. It’s best if travelers have results with them upon arrival. If traveler’s test results are still pending upon arrival, they must quarantine until the results are received. Or, non residents can pay $225 to receive a COVID test at the airport. Residents can still receive free tests at the airport.

Wrangell’s total COVID case count is 15 cases and all of those have recovered.

The state of Alaska’s total COVID case count is 4,655 cases to-date. That is 505 more cases than at this time last week. Of those cases, 3, 269 are active and to-date 168 have required hospitalization, that includes 33 new hospitalizations this week. 27 Alaskan’s have died of COVID-19. 5 of those deaths occurred over the last week. For more information, go to the COVID-19 hub at covid-19.alaska.gov.

On Tuesday, the Wrangell Borough Assembly passed a resolution encouraging residents to wear cloth face coverings while in indoor public places and when in communal spaces outside of the home. Free masks are available at public buildings around town. The library has child and adult sizes, they can be reached at 874-3535 and the fire hall also has masks, 874-3223.

SEARHC has reported low numbers of people taking advantage of free community COVID testing. Testing is free every Saturday and Sunday at the clinic parking lot from 11:00 to 3:00 and will be available through December. Testing is the mechanism by which infected individuals can be identified early. The spread of COVID-19 in Alaska is primarily due to people attending large gatherings such as weddings, funerals and other gatherings. If you have recently attended a large gathering, you are encouraged to take a free COVID test. By wearing masks and participating in community testing, we can increase the chances of opening schools, protecting our vulnerable population, keeping businesses open and keeping city services in operation.

Tuesday, August 18th is primary election day. When you go to the Nolan center to vote, please protect the election workers by wearing your mask. The election workers will be wearing theirs.