CASE COUNT: During the last 7 days, the State has reported 586 new cases, 20 hospitalizations and 5 deaths within Alaska. Wrangell currently has 1 active case 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 information, including the daily case count, you can visit wrangellcovid19.org.
VARIANTS: Alaska has evidence of 3 different variants that have entered into the State. As of May 6, the State has identified 62 cases of B. 1.1.7 UK variant, 11 cases of the P.1 Brazil variant, and 3 cases of the B 1.351 South Africa variant.
LOCAL ORDINANCES: Wrangell has 1 local ordinance in place that requires testing prior to or upon arrival in Wrangell for travelers arriving from out of state. There is no longer a requirement to test when arriving from elsewhere within the state. Fully-vaccinated individuals are not required to test before travel or after arriving into Wrangell. If fully-vaccinated travelers plan to attend any gathering within 14 days after arriving where at-risk individuals may be in attendance, we strongly recommend that they 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.
If you will be testing upon arrival, please sign into the Safe Travels app prior to arrival to register for a free COVID-19 test 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: Anyone 12 years and older who is interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can register at covid19.searhc.org. Please note that the age range has been expanded to include to 12-15 year old youth. 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.
Alaska ECHO is excited to team with Alaska Teen Media Institute and the Alaska Health and Social Services Public Health Leadership Team to host a Pop Up ECHO about COVID-19 Vaccines and Youth on Thursday, May 13 at 6:30pm. Alaskan teens will be sharing information about COVID-19 Vaccines and ask Public Health leaders questions submitted by their peers and you. This can be viewed on Zoom and Facebook Live on the Alaska ECHO page. The links were posted today on the City & Borough of Wrangell Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/akechoprograms
Approximately 58% of Wrangell residents aged 16 and older have at least received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination. 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.
Local communities across Alaska, with encouragement and support from the State of Alaska and Governor Mike Dunleavy, are together launching the Sleeves Up for Summer campaign, a community-driven campaign to increase COVID-19 vaccinations statewide by 25% during May. Let’s work together by rolling up our sleeves and putting the pandemic behind us. With Alaskans’ help, the state can continue to be a nationwide leader in community immunization against COVID-19.
This increase in vaccinations can allow us to have a safer tourist season.
TESTING: If you are experiencing symptoms, please stay home and contact SEARHC for testing. The uncontrolled spread of COVID can have negative impacts on the well-being of residents and the local economy. Symptoms may start 2-14 days after exposure.
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.
