The number of new cases indicates a generally positive trend of declining daily scores. However, higher scores have been reported in the Fairbanks area as well as the Yukon-Kuskokwim region, where limited health care capacity is a challenge.
A total of 217 Alaskans and one non-resident of COVID-19 have died since the pandemic hit the state in March. Alaska’s per capita mortality rate is among the lowest in the country, although the state’s size and vulnerable health care system make national comparisons difficult.
As of this week, Alaska has begun adding probable deaths of people with the virus, as determined by medical providers, in addition to those determined by a laboratory result. Three deaths from previous months, all 80 and older, were added to the total of the state.
Health officials say they are still worried about an increase in holidays after the holidays.
The number of hospitalizations associated with viruses declined from high levels in early December. Seventy-five people with COVID-19 have been in the hospital since Tuesday and it is suspected that another ten people in the hospital have the virus, the health department said.
The state continues the early deployment of COVID-19 vaccine. According to Monday, 18,266 people received the vaccination, according to the state’s vaccination panel, which will be updated on Wednesday. The people who are now eligible are generally health workers.
After several days of confusion, state officials announced Monday that Alaskans 65 and older could begin making vaccinations Wednesday and get shots next week, ahead of schedule. Vaccinations would only be received from the group in January.
The state on Tuesday updated the status of COVID-19 within the Pioneer Home system. Since the end of December, the Anchorage Pioneer Home has identified one new case in a staff member. Since this outbreak began on November 3, there have been a total of 30 residents and 17 staff members and three deaths.
The Fairbanks Pioneer Home has identified two new cases among staff. No residents tested positive at any of the facilities. The other four houses – Juneau, Ketchikan, Palmer and Sitka – have no business, officials said.
Of the 203 new infections reported among Alaska residents Tuesday, 57 were in Anchorage, plus three in Chugiak and three in Girdwood; 32 in Fairbanks and 10 in the North Pole; 27 in Wasilla and eight in Palmer; 14 in Bethel; three in Kenai, two in Soldotna, two in Seward, one in Nikiski, one in Homer, and one in Sterling; three in Kodiak; one in Tok; one in Utqiagvik; two in Kotzebue; one in Juneau; three in Ketchikan; one in Petersburg; two in Sitka; two in Unalaska; and two in Hooper Bay.
Among communities smaller than 1,000 people not named for privacy protection, there were 13 in the Bethel census area; five in the North Slope City; one in the Northwest Arctic District; one in the Yakutat plus Hoonah-Angoon region; and one in the Kusilvak census area.
Three cases were reported among non-residents on Tuesday, all with the location being investigated.
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.
The positive percentage worldwide was 5.16% above an average of seven days as of Tuesday. Health officials say anything above 5% could indicate inadequate testing and widespread community transmission. The state peaked at more than 9% in November.