The EOC stopped providing these updates in June when the cases seemed to be steadily dropping across the state and we were all hopeful that we were seeing the end of high cases counts.  Due to the steady increase in cases, the EOC will be providing weekly KSTK updates once again.

Listen to the update here.

CASE COUNT:  During the last 7 days, the State has reported 3,675 new cases, 73 hospitalizations and 6 deaths within Alaska. Wrangell currently has 21 active cases of COVID 19 in the community.  The EOC does not receive any info about the whether the person testing positive is vaccinated or unvaccinated and therefore that info is not provided in the press release.  For State information, visit the Alaska COVID-19 Information Hub.  For local information, including the daily case count & press releases, you can visit wrangellcovid19.org.  

VARIANTS:  According to the September 1, 2021 Alaska COVID-19 Genomic Surveillance Report, during the week beginning August 8, Delta represented 99% of sequenced cases in Alaska. According to data from the CDC, the proportion of cases attributed to Delta nationwide is estimated to be 99% for the week ending Aug 21.  The Delta variant is more easily transmitted from person to person and is the reason why we find ourselves refocusing on prevention and the layered mitigation measures that we used during the last year.  Vaccination is the best protection against the Delta variant.  In addition to getting vaccinated, the other measures that can help prevent or slow the spread are: staying home when you have ANY symptoms, wearing a mask when indoors around people other than your immediate household members, minimizing the number of gatherings you attend, getting tested as soon as you get symptoms, and following the guidance of the CDC and Public Health if you get COVID or are a close contact to someone who is infected with COVID. 

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.  Fully-vaccinated individuals are not required to test before travel or after arriving into Wrangell.  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.

VACCINE:  Anyone 12 years and older who is interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can register at covid19.searhc.org. 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. 

65% of the eligible population in Wrangell has been vaccinated. 

The Wrangell Medical Center is also offering a 3rd dose for immunocompromised persons.  If you think you may be eligible for a 3rd dose and have not been contacted by Wrangell Medical Center, please reach out to them at 874-7000.

The Wrangell Medical Center will be gearing up for a Booster shot campaign later this month.  There are no additional details about the Booster dose at this time.

TESTING: If you are experiencing symptoms, please stay home and contact Wrangell Medical Center for testing. 

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.

If you need masks, or other resources, or have questions relating to COVID (including travel questions), contact the EOC at travel@wrangell.com or by calling 874-COVI (874-2684).