CASE COUNT: During the last 7 days, the State has reported 1,140 new cases, 31 hospitalizations and no deaths within Alaska. There has been a noticeable increase across the State in the number of children ages 19 and under who are getting infected with COVID. Wrangell currently has 9 active cases of COVID-19 in the community. Many of the active cases are symptomatic. The City and Borough of Wrangell will be issuing one press release a day as needed at 5pm informing the community of the number of new cases. According to the State’s Alert Levels, the Northern SE Region (which includes Wrangell) is in the High Alert level. You can visit the data hub at data.coronavirus.alaska.gov. For local case information & resources, you can visit wrangellcovid19.org.
If you are in quarantine or isolation, please take advantage of delivery services offered at grocery stores and SEARHC pharmacy. Please let the store or pharmacy know that they should leave your items at the door so as to avoid any interactions. If you are in need of resources or services to help you during your quarantine or isolation, please contact the Wrangell EOC at 874-COVI (2684).
Any businesses that are interested in window signs informing customers of your store’s COVID mitigation policies, please send an email to travel@wrangell.com.
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. Fully-vaccinated individuals are not required to test before travel or after arriving into Wrangell. However, it is highly recommended that fully-vaccinated travelers who are planning on attending any gathering within 14 days after arriving where at-risk individuals may be in attendance, go ahead and test at the Wrangell Airport upon arrival and quarantine until those results are received. Travelers coming in on the Alaska Marine Highway can test at the airport at the next available jet arrival. Any incoming traveler can get a free COVID test upon arrival, even when it is not required.
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/. The State recently revised the portal to reduce the number of questions.
Wrangell has a local mask ordinance that requires individual over age 2 to wear a mask at all indoor public settings and communal spaces. 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. 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. If there are any 16 & 17 years olds interested in receiving the vaccine, please register soon to get in on an upcoming clinic.
Just over 1,100 individuals in Wrangell have received at least the 1st dose of vaccine – that’s approximately 56% of the eligible population. 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: Wrangell is experiencing community spread. It is important that any individual experiencing symptoms stay home and seek testing. The uncontrolled spread of COVID can have negative impacts on the well-being of residents and the local economy. If you have symptoms, it is important to seek testing as soon as possible. Symptoms can include: Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea, and Increased sputum (phlegm) production.
Symptoms may start 2-14 days after exposure. Although most people with COVID-19 will start out with only one or two of these symptoms — and the symptoms will generally be very mild — people tend to be the most contagious during the first several days after symptom onset.
Both asymptomatic and symptomatic testing can be arranged by calling the Wrangell Medical Center M-F at 874-7000. Free 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 as the vaccines are not 100% effective.
