Cordova reported two new, travel-related, cases of the novel coronavirus Thursday, Jan. 14.
Wednesday, Jan. 13, Cordova reduced its public health alert from Level 4, signifying a local outbreak, to Level 3, which advises caution. The Cordova Medical Response Team’s recommendation to lower the alert was based on reduced infection rates in Anchorage and a strengthened supply chain for both protective equipment and testing supplies, as well as the vaccination of first responders and health care workers, officials said.
Most of Cordova’s health care workers, first responders and nursing home residents have been vaccinated as of Jan. 14, according to a city announcement. When more vaccines become available, they will be available to a group including Cordovans age 65 and older. Several organizations, including the state of Alaska, Indian Health Services, the Veterans Administration and the U.S. military, determine how vaccines are allocated. Cordova has received a vaccine allocation from Indian Health Services that can be distributed as the local Tribal Council determines, according to the announcement.
Of the 76 local cases identified so far, 10 are believed to be currently active. Sixty-one cases have been Cordova residents and 15 have been non-residents. Three cases have required hospitalization, according to data published by Ilanka Community Health Center. One Cordova resident who was infected with the novel coronavirus died Nov. 18.
Coronavirus testing is available at ICHC, Mondays and Fridays from 2-3 p.m., and Saturdays from noon-1 p.m.; and at Cordova Community Medical Center, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9-9:30 a.m. ICHC will be closed Monday, Jan. 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
