CASE COUNT: Wrangell currently has 0 active cases of COVID-19 in the community. As of today, the total case count for the state of Alaska is 50,816 cases. That’s an increase of 1,917 cases from last week.
As of today, 1,115 people have required hospitalization. That includes 61 new hospitalizations over the last week. And as of today, 225 Alaskans have died. Six of those deaths have occurred during the last week. For more data, you can visit the COVID data hub at covid19.alaska.gov. For local case information & resources, you can visit wrangellcovid19.org.
Most regions of Alaska continue to have high community transmission and are at a high alert level. Our Region (known as the Northern Southeast Region) had been at Intermediate Alert Level for about the last 2 weeks. On Tuesday, we moved back up into the High Alert Level. There has been a leveling off and in order to prevent a spike it’s still important for us all to continue to keep doing what we can to prevent the spread: wearing a mask, staying home when you are sick, delaying unnecessary travel, taking care of your health, keeping your social circle small, and washing your hands are making a difference.
TRAVEL: The State continues to look out for the UK variant of the virus – a mutation that makes the virus more easily transmissible. So far, it has not been detected within Alaska. The State is asking all Alaskans to get tested one to three days prior to travel, staying home for seven days after travel, and getting a 2nd test 5-7 days after travel. Airport testing will continue to be in place through June 2021. By doing this, you can help slow the spread and importation of the mutated strain that has shown up in other states.
VACCINE: As of today, more than 35,000 Alaskans have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Almost 8,000 of those folks have completed the 2-dose series.
All residents interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to register at covid19.searhc.org. It’s quick and easy – you just provide a valid email when you register and you will be contacted by SEARHC to schedule your appointment as soon as the vaccine is available for your sequence group. SEARHC is currently scheduling Wrangell residents age 65 and older and essential workers (as defined by the CDC). New clinics will be added as more vaccine supplies arrive. If you have any questions or cannot register electronically, please call the clinic at 874-4700 or call the SEARHC COVID Hotline at 907-966-8799.
TESTING: Asymptomatic testing remains available, but individuals will be required to cover testing fees at the time of testing. All patients must schedule an appointment to receive a test. This can be done Monday through Friday by calling the Clinic at 874-4700.
