CASE COUNT: During the last 7 days, the State has reported 1,250 new cases, 20 hospitalizations and 0 deaths within Alaska. Wrangell currently has 2 active cases of COVID-19 in the community. According to the State’s Alert Levels, the Northern SE Region (which includes Wrangell) is in the Intermediate Alert level. You can visit the data hub at data.coronavirus.alaska.gov. For local case information & resources, you can visit wrangellcovid19.org.
LOCAL ORDINANCES: Wrangell has 2 local ordinances in place that require testing prior to or upon arrival in Wrangell. There is also a quarantine option instead of testing for Alaska residents only. Due to new CDC guidance pertaining to fully-vaccinated individuals, the Borough Assembly will be looking at revisions to ordinances at the April 13th Assembly meeting.
The ordinances can be viewed using the link on the City Facebook page, viewing them at www.wrangell.com or www.wrangellcovid19.org under Travel Resources. In order to be more efficient at the airport testing station SEARHC recommends that all travelers fill out the Travel Declaration in the online travel portal before arriving in Wrangell. The portal can be accessed at: https://www.alaska.covidsecureapp.com/
It is a Federal requirement that all travelers must wear a face covering at all transportation hubs and on all public transportation.
Any questions regarding travel can be submitted to travel@wrangell.com or by calling 874-COVI (874-2684).
VACCINE: All residents aged 16 years and older that are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can register at covid19.searhc.org. Please provide a valid email when you register, and you will receive an email notification to schedule your appointment. SEARHC started offering clinics for the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)vaccine this week. This is a single dose viral vector vaccine. If you have any questions or cannot register electronically, please call the Wrangell Medical Center at 874-7000 or call the SEARHC COVID Hotline at 907.966.8799.
Vaccination info was not available at the time of this update, but more than 50% of the eligible population in Wrangell has been vaccinated. With each vaccination, we’re getting closer to being able to put the pandemic behind us, but we’re not there yet. Please stay vigilant by following the recommended mitigation measures such as: wearing a mask, staying home when you are sick, delaying unnecessary travel, taking care of your health, keeping your social circle small, and washing your hands.
TESTING: If you have symptoms, it is important to seek testing as soon as possible. Both asymptomatic and symptomatic testing can be arranged by calling the Wrangell Medical Center M-F at 874-7000. Asymptomatic testing is also available twice a day at the Wrangell airport during jet arrival. If you have been vaccinated, but are experiencing symptoms, it’s still important to get tested.
