Although the number of cases and hospitalizations in Alaska was lower than it was during a peak in November and December, the state’s average daily case rate has been trending upward over the past few weeks. Many regions in the state are still in the highest alert category based on their current infection rate per capita.
A new coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa has been discovered in Alaska, according to a report released by the state health department this week. The B.1.351 strain has caused concern among epidemiologists because the new COVID-19 vaccines are less effective against it.
To date, 75 cases of five coronavirus variants have been identified through testing and sequencing efforts in Alaska, according to the latest weekly report from the state. Health officials continue to encourage 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, 261,525 people – about 43% of Alaskans eligible for a shot – received at least their first dose, according to the state vaccine monitoring panel. At least 194,853 people – about 33% of Alaska’s 16 and older – are considered fully vaccinated.
By Wednesday, there were 44 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 over the past few weeks.
Of the 217 cases reported to Alaska residents Wednesday were 77 in Anchorage plus six in Chugiak, 17 in Eagle River and one in Girdwood; one in Homer; two Kenai; one in Nikiski; one in Seward; ses in Soldotna; two in Sterling; six in Fairbanks plus three in the North Pole; two in Delta Junction; one in Big Lake; 16 in Palmer; 54 in Wasilla; five in Juneau; one in Ketchikan; two in Sitka; and one in Dillingham.
Among communities smaller than 1,000 people not named for privacy, there were two in the northern Kenai Peninsula district; one in the Denali district; one in the Fairbanks North Star Borough; one in Yakutat plus Hoonah-Angoon; and one in the Aleutians West census area.
Six cases were also reported to non-residents: one in Sikta; three in Juneau; and two 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.
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.