CASE COUNT: During the last 7 days, the State has reported 349 new cases, 9 hospitalizations and 0 deaths within Alaska. Wrangell currently has 0 active cases of COVID-19 in the community. This is the 5th week in a row that there has been a decrease in the number of weekly cases statewide and we are finally starting to see the number of hospitalizations and deaths come down as well. According to the State’s Alert Levels, the Northern SE Region (which includes Wrangell) is in the Intermediate Alert level. For State information, visit the Alaska COVID-19 Information Hub. For local information, including the daily case count, you can visit wrangellcovid19.org.
The dhss.alaska.gov website was the target of a malware attack. The website was taken offline the evening of Monday, May 17 while an investigation is being conducted and will be unavailable to the public until further details are known about the incident. Some services, such as the data dashboards, are hosted by outside sources and can still be accessed through covid19.alaska.gov.
VARIANTS: According to the May 20th Alaska COVID Genomic Surveillance Report, the State has identified 141 cases of B. 1.1.7 UK variant, 16 cases of the P.1 Brazil variant, 4 cases of the B 1.351 South Africa variant and 118 cases of the B 1.427 & B 1.429 California variants. The B.1.1.7 variant is concerning because it has shown to be approximately 50% more transmissible than the original SARS-CoV-2 lineages, B.1.1.7 cases are more likely to require hospitalization, and it is widely circulating in the US.
TRAVEL INFO: Wrangell is expecting the arrival of our first small cruise ship this week. The Kruzof Explorer from Alaska Dream Cruises will be arriving in Wrangell on Friday, May 28th. To ensure maximum safety and minimal interruptions, Alaska Dream Cruises requires all guests and crew to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
You can see the latest cruise ship calendar at wrangellalaska.org. Due to the recent changes in cruise ship regulations, please check the calendar frequently as the schedule will likely change. I will include the weekly schedule in my Wednesday KSTK updates.
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. This ordinance was renewed by the Assembly on Tuesday, May 25th. It is set to expire on June 30, 2021. 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:
In response to the recent CDC guidance regarding fully-vaccinated individuals, 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.
Vaccine data was unavailable for this week. 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 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.
