The latest number of cases is part of a trend in Alaska of declining infections over the past two months, to a peak in November and early December that limited hospital capacity. Hospitalizations in Alaska are now less than a quarter of what they were during the peak in November and December.
By Tuesday, there were 35 people with COVID-19 in hospitals across the state, including five which was on fans. Three more it is believed that patients have the virus.
The COVID-19 vaccine reached Alaska in mid-December. According to the Tuesday, 144,419 people – nearly 20% of Alaska’s total population – received at least their first vaccine shot, according to the state vaccine monitoring panel. This is well above the national average of 13.3%.
Among Alaska 16 and older, 26% received at least one dose of vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine is approved for use in people 16 years and older, and Moderna’s has been cleared for use in people 18 and older. At least 89,147 people received both doses of the vaccine. According to a national tracker, Alaska currently has inoculated more residents per capita than any other state.
Healthcare workers and nursing home staff and residents were the first people to receive the vaccine. Alaskans over the age of 65 were eligible in early January, and this month the state extended the admission requirements to educators, people 50 years and older with a high-risk medical condition, essential workers 50 and older and people living in congregations. live or work. institutions such as shelters and prisons.
Those eligible to receive the vaccine can visit covidvax.alaska.gov or call 907-646-3322 to sign up and be eligible. The telephone line is on weekdays 09: 00-18: 30 and on weekends 09: 00-16: 30.
Despite the small print, most regions in Alaska are still in the highest alert category based on the current per capita infection rate, and public health officials are encouraging Alaskans to keep up with efforts to mitigate personal viruses such as hand washing, carrying and social distancing. An extremely contagious variant of the virus reached Alaska last month.
Of the 56 cases reported among Alaska residents Tuesday, there were 18 in Anchorage plus one in Eagle River; one in Homer; three in Kenai; one in Sterling; one in Kodiak; four in Fairbanks plus one in the North Pole; four in Palmer; 13 in Wasilla; one in Juneau; four in Petersburg; one in Sitka; one in Unalaska; and two in Dillingham.
Two cases have also been identified among non-residents in Unalaska.
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.