Alaska Report 365 coronavirus infections and one COVID-19-related death between Saturday and Monday, according to data from the Department of Health and Social Services. The state no longer updates its coronavirus dashboard over the weekends, but rather includes the numbers in Monday’s report.
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 two weeks. Most regions in the state are still in the highest alert category based on their current infection rate per capita.
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.
Teen Monday 266 036 people – about 44% of Alaskans eligible for a shot – received at least their first dose, according to the state’s vaccination monitor panel. At least 203,259 people – about 34% of Alaska’s 16 and older – are considered fully vaccinated.
By Monday, 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 over the past few weeks.
A geographical breakdown of the newly reported cases was not immediately available.
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.
Of all the tests done in the past week, 2.97% returned positive.