Although the number of cases and hospitalizations in Alaska is lower than it was during a peak in November and December, the state’s average daily case study has increased in recent weeks. Most regions in the state are still in the highest alert category based on their current infection rate per capita.
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.
In March, Alaska became the first state in the country to be eligible for vaccine 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.
By Wednesday, 284,974 people – about 47% of Alaskans eligible for a shot – had received at least their first dose. At least 227,884 people – about 38% of Alaska’s 16 and older – are considered fully vaccinated, according to the state’s vaccination monitor panel.
By Wednesday, there were 47 people with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in hospitals across the state, well below a peak at the end of 2020, but part of a slight increase in recent weeks.
Of the 196 cases reported among Alaska residents, 60 were in Anchorage, plus two in Chugiak and 11 in Eagle River; 51 in Wasilla; 16 in Palmer; 12 in Fairbanks; 10 in the North Pole; one in Cordova; two in Valdez; two in Anchor Point; three in Kenai; one in Nikiski; one in Seward; ses in Soldotna; two in Kodiak; two in Delta Junction; one in Nome; four in Juneau; one in Ketchikan; and two in Wrangell.
Among communities smaller than 1,000 people not named to protect privacy, there was one in the Denali district; one in the Noordhellingstad; two in the Bethel census area; one in the Bristol Bay plus the lake and peninsula area; and one in the Kusilvak census area.
There were also five new cases among non-residents: one in Cordova, one in Fairbanks, one in the Southeast Fairbanks census area and two in Juneau.
Although people can be tested more than once, each case reported by the state health department represents only one person.
The state’s data does not determine whether 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.