COVID-19 detection in Alaska: 107 infections and no deaths reported Tuesday

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Although the number of cases and hospitalizations in Alaska is lower than it was during a peak in November and December, most regions in the state are still in the highest alert category based on their current per capita infection rate.

Health officials are urging Alaskans to wear face masks in public, avoid large gatherings, wash their hands regularly and be vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent further spread.

Alaska became the first state in the country to be eligible for a vaccine in March for anyone 16 years and older living or working in the state. You can visit covidvax.alaska.gov or call 907-646-3322 to sign up for a vaccine appointment; new appointments are added regularly. The telephone line is manned on weekdays from 09:00 to 18:30 and on weekends from 09:00 to 16:30.

Teen Tuesday 296 631 people – about 48% of Alaskans eligible for a shot – received at least their first dose. At least 243,274 people – about 41% of Alaska’s 16 and older – are considered fully vaccinated, according to the state’s vaccination monitoring board.

By Tuesday, there were 39 people with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in hospitals across the state, well below a peak at the end of 2020.

Of the 100 cases reported Tuesday among Alaska residents, 19 were in Anchorage plus one in Eagle River; 20 in Fairbanks; 19 in Wasilla; 15 in Palmer; seven in the North Pole; three in Anchor Point; two in Soldotna; two in Ketchikan; two in Dillingham; one in Valdez; one in Kenai; one in Kodiak; one in Big Lake; one in Houston; one in Nome; and one in Bethel.

Among communities smaller than 1,000 people not named to protect residents’ privacy, there was one in the northern Kenai Peninsula district; one in the Fairbanks North Star Borough; and one in the Kusilvak census area.

There were also seven new cases among non-residents: four in Unalaska; one in Valdez; one in Prudhoe Bay; and one in an unidentified region of the state.

Although people can be tested more than once, each case reported by the state health department represents only one person.

State data do not determine if people who are positive for COVID-19 have symptoms. According to CDC estimates, more than half of the country’s infections are transmitted by asymptomatic people.

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