A total of 756 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Alaska on Sunday and no new deaths were reported.
Sunday is followed by the most reported daily increase in numbers, with 933 new infections coming on Saturday. The last month has seen an increase in case counts, with frequent breaks and new records being set. Health officials across the country are expecting an increase in the number of infections after gatherings and travel during the Thanksgiving holiday.
The sharp rise in cases in the last month has led to more deaths and hospitalizations.
Here, there have been deaths since the epidemic began in March, with a total of 123 Alaskans and one Covid-1 with an unknown number. Alaska has the lowest per capita overall mortality rate in the country, but state officials say it is difficult to compare Alaska with other states because of its vast geography and poor health care system.
As of Sunday, 153 Alaskanis with COVID-19 had been hospitalized, according to the Department of Health and Social Services’ COVID-19 dashboard. Another 11 people from hospitals were suspected of having the virus. Only 32 out of 128 intensive care unit beds were available on Sunday. In Anchorage, where the state’s sickest patients end up, the intensive care unit was more than 75% full and only 10 of the 72 beds remained open.
Of the 50 new cases reported to Alaskan residents in the state on Sunday, 1,331 were in Anchorage, four in Eagle River, seven in Chugiak and two in Girdwood. 162 in Wasila, 38 in Palmer, three in Big Lake, one in Houston and one in Willow; 30 in Kodiak; 27 at Fairbank and eight at the North Pole; 22 in Utkiagvik; 20 in Soldotna, 17 in Kenai, eight in Homer, two in Nikiski, one in Anchor Point and one in Fritz Creek; 14 at Bethel; Three in Juneau; Two in Cotzebu; One at Delta Junction; In a ketchup; One in Sitka; And one in Unalska.
Of the less than 1,000 unnamed communities to protect privacy, Bethel had five in the census area; Four in the Valdez-Cordova census area; Three in the northern Kenai Peninsula borough; Three in the Kusilwak census area; Two in Bristol Bay plus Lake and Peninsula Borough; One in Denali Borough; And one of the nom census field.
Six cases of strangers have been reported in the state: two in Anchorage, one in Vasila, two in Unalaska and one in an unknown area of the state.
While people can be tested more than once, each case reported by the state health department represents only one person.
It is not clear how many people tested positive for the virus when they tested positive. About one-third of people with COVD-19 are reassured by disease control centers.
State health officials continue to encourage Alaska to avoid indoor gatherings with non-household members of the household, and report that most Alaskans who are infected with the virus receive it from a friend, family member or colleague.
The last seven days had a 6.91% test positivity rate. Health officials have warned that a positive rate above 5% indicates a broader community transition.
