CASE COUNT: During the last 7 days, the State has reported 484 new cases, 21 hospitalizations and 6 deaths within Alaska. Wrangell currently has 0 active cases of COVID-19 in the community. This is the 4th week in a row that there has been a decrease in the number of weekly cases statewide. According to the State’s Alert Levels, the Northern SE Region (which includes Wrangell) is in the Intermediate Alert level. You can visit the data hub at data.coronavirus.alaska.gov. For local information, including the daily case count, you can visit wrangellcovid19.org.
VARIANTS: Alaska has evidence of 3 different variants that have entered into the State. As of May 11, the State has identified 89 cases of B. 1.1.7 UK variant, 13 cases of the P.1 Brazil variant, and 3 cases of the B 1.351 South Africa variant.
LOCAL ORDINANCES: Wrangell has 1 local ordinance in place that requires testing prior to or upon arrival in Wrangell for travelers arriving from out of state. There is no longer a requirement to test when arriving from elsewhere within the state. Fully-vaccinated individuals are not required to test before travel or after arriving into Wrangell. Travelers coming in on the Alaska Marine Highway can test at the airport at the next available jet arrival. Any incoming traveler can get a free COVID test upon arrival, even when it is not required.
If you will be testing upon arrival, please sign into the Safe Travels app prior to arrival to register for a free COVID-19 test at https://www.alaska.covidsecureapp.com/.
It is a Federal requirement that all travelers must wear a face covering at all transportation hubs and on all public transportation.
Any questions regarding travel can be submitted to travel@wrangell.com or by calling 874-COVI (874-2684).
CDC GUIDANCE: According to CDC Guidance, fully- vaccinated people can resume domestic travel and do not need to test before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel. And, fully-vaccinated people do not need to test or quarantine following a known exposure to COVID-19 so long as they are asymptomatic
The CDC also recently released guidance stating that fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
In response to the recent CDC guidance, The City & Borough of Wrangell released guidelines stating that face coverings and social distancing is not required for fully-vaccinated individuals in all Borough facilities, programs and activities. Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings and social distance in all Borough facilities, programs, and activities. The guidelines can be viewed at wrangellcovid19.org under the News Releases section.
VACCINE: Anyone 12 years and older who is interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can register at covid19.searhc.org. Please provide a valid email when you register, and you will receive an email notification to schedule your appointment. If you have any questions or cannot register electronically, please call the Wrangell Medical Center at 874-7000 or call the SEARHC COVID Hotline at 907.966.8799.
Approximately 59% of Wrangell residents aged 16 and older have at least received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination. With each vaccination, we’re getting closer to being able to put the pandemic behind us. While many of us have had the opportunity to get vaccinated, there are still those in our community who are not eligible yet. We can collectively protect them by wearing a mask in their presence, staying home when you are sick, delaying unnecessary travel, taking care of your health, keeping your social circle small, and washing your hands.
TESTING: If you are experiencing symptoms, please stay home and contact SEARHC for testing.
Both asymptomatic and symptomatic testing can be arranged by calling the Wrangell Medical Center M-F at 874-7000. Free asymptomatic testing is also available twice a day at the Wrangell airport during jet arrival. If you have been vaccinated, but are experiencing symptoms, it’s still important to get tested as the vaccines are not 100% effective.
