According to data from the Department of Health and Social Services, Alaska reported 449 coronavirus infections and no COVID-19-related deaths. The state is no longer updating the coronavirus dashboard over the weekend and includes the data in Monday’s report.
Although the number of cases and hospitalizations in Alaska is lower than it was during a peak in November and December, most regions in the state are still in the highest alert category based on their current per capita infection rate.
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.
Alaska became the first state in the country to be eligible for vaccine in March 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 293 739 people – about 48% of Alaskans eligible for a shot – received at least their first dose. At least 239,930 people – about 40% of Alaska’s 16 and older – are considered fully vaccinated, according to the State Vaccine Monitoring Panel.
By Monday, there were 39 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 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.