This is the lowest daily number of cases since October 7, when 123 were reported. Coronavirus-related hospitalizations are also declining.
The cases reported on Monday are in line with a trend of lowercase numbers reported in recent weeks following a surge to November in early December. Half of the deaths from viruses in Alaska have been reported in the past six weeks. Health officials say a month-long order in Anchorage played a role in the decline, as did voluntary action by people in the state.
No virus-related deaths were reported on the state dashboard on Monday. A total of 199 Alaskans and one non-resident with COVID-19 have died since the pandemic began here in March. Alaska’s overall death toll per capita is among the lowest in the country, but officials believe the state’s large geography and vulnerable health care system make it difficult to compare with other states.
Alaska received its first consignment of COVID-19 vaccine in mid-December. Healthcare workers in the hospital, emergency personnel and residents and staff at long-term care facilities were prioritized to receive the first doses.
By Monday morning, 12,202 Alaskans had been vaccinated, according to the state information website, which is slightly behind. The state’s vaccine award committee commented Monday.
By Monday, 70 Alaskans had been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and it is suspected that six more had the virus. Nearly 9.5% of adults in Alaska hospitals have COVID-19.
Hospitalizations have been declining nationwide over the past few weeks. In Anchorage, where the sickest patients are regularly treated, 24 intensive care units out of 74 beds were available on Monday.
Of the 124 infections reported in Alaska residents Monday, 62 were in Anchorage, plus three in Chugiak and four in Eagle River; one in Kenai, one in Nikiski, and one in Soldotna; two in Kodiak; five in Fairbanks and two in the North Pole; 13 in Palmer and 19 in Wasilla; one in Nome; three in Utqiagvik; one in Kotzebue; one in Juneau; one in Bethel; and one in an unidentified community.
Among communities smaller than 1,000 people not named for privacy, there was one case in the Copper River area; one in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area; and one in the Bethel census area.
Two cases have been reported to non-residents in Anchorage.
Although people can be tested more than once, each case reported by the state health department represents only one person.
It is not clear how many people who tested positive for the virus show symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about a third of people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic.
The positive percentage of the nationwide test from Monday was 4.44% above an average of 7 days. Health experts say anything above 5% could indicate inadequate testing and possibly widespread community transmission. The state peaked at more than 9% in mid-November.