Twenty new cases of COVID-19 in Alaska reported in two days boosted the statewide total of those infected with the novel coronavirus to 544 on Sunday, June 7, with seven currently hospitalized and 382 recovered.
The list includes Anchorage, five; Eagle River, three; Homer, three; Anchor Point and Douglas, one each; and smaller communities on the Kenai Peninsula, six. A total of 64,904 residents have been tested. The death toll remains at 10.
At Dutch Harbor, a female crewmember tested positive for the virus aboard the Alaska Marine Highway ferry Tustumena, which was just completing its first run down the Aleutian Chain since it returned to service on June 2. State health officials said the infected woman had not been in contact with passengers, as the ferry went from Homer to Seldovia, Kodiak, Chignik, Sand Point, King Cove, Cold Bay, False Pass, Akutan and Dutch Harbor. Now the Tustumena is heading back to Homer, making no additional stops. After arrival at Homer, all crewmembers and passengers will be tested for COVID-19, then quarantine and self-monitor, officials said.
In Cordova, the lone non-resident seafood worker who tested positive is now fully recovered,
said Dr. Hannah Sanders, medical director of the Cordova Medical Center.
“We are small and isolated and able to come up with solutions,” Sanders said. “We are getting ready for another influx of workers for the seining season. The large processors have been putting a lot of effort into screening.”
“The fish processors have been very aggressive about following the [health] mandates,” she said. But the doctor worries about non-resident seafood processing workers who may be arriving in Cordova without being tested. Starting next week, the city will provide free testing at the airport for travelers arriving on two Alaska Airlines flights daily. “We will screen everyone we can,” she said.
While some areas of the state continued to reopen their economies, which have been hard hit by mandated closures to stem the spread of the pandemic, Cordova has taken a more cautious approach.
Businesses are still very restricted, said Cordova Mayor Clay Koplin. “I feel really good about how we have been doing so far, but I think people are getting really tired of masks and social distancing,” Koplin said. “I’m concerned that people will get lackadaisical.”
In a local march for racial equality in Cordova Sunday, some 100 participants were all wearing masks, he said. “If we can push on for another month and a half, with social distancing and mask wearing we can open businesses back up,” he said.
Meanwhile, more businesses in Cordova still have their doors closed than open, but Koplin said he has heard anecdotally that some people are starting to bring families to visit.
To thank residents for their effort to keep the virus at bay, the city is distributing $5 thank-you coupons when they see residents wearing a mask or socially distancing. The coupons may be used for purchases at several dozen local businesses. “It helps bring business in,” he said.
The city has also hired four ambassadors to spread the word about the need for precautionary measures to keep the virus from spreading and additional staff to provide extra sanitation in public places, including parks. “We are creating more tools for people to use,” Koplin said.
People like the hand washing stations at the harbor so much they want them to remain in place after the pandemic ends, he said.
Still, though, the local economy continues to struggle, in part because of a very slow run to date of the Copper River salmon fishery. “Fishermen are not spending, because they are not making any money,” he said.
Meanwhile statewide revised travel mandates went into effect on Saturday, June 6, requiring all people entering Alaska to complete a traveler declaration form and provide proof of having tested negative to COVID-19 within the last 72 hours.
Those unable to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test will be asked to take that test upon arrival and self-quarantine while awaiting test results, or self-quarantine for 14 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter. Those entering the state on business will be expected to follow the work plan that their employer filed with the state.
The mandate also restricts travel to communities on the road system or marine highway system, with travel to remote communities limited to essential travel only.
All newly arrived individuals are also being asked to wear a face mask indoors and whenever social distancing becomes challenging to practice social distancing and wash hands frequently.
Complete details for travelers are online at https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers/
