Cordova reports 24 virus cases; active case count climbs to 70

Transmission electron micrograph of novel coronavirus particles isolated from a patient sample. (March 3, 2021) Image courtesy of NIAID

Cordova reported 24 cases of the novel coronavirus Tuesday, July 20.

During the previous week, several Camtu’s Alaska Wild Seafoods employees showed COVID-19 symptoms, according to a release by the city. Those employees were isolated and tested. After positive test results were returned, Alaska Wild Seafoods facilities were locked down. Testing of all Alaska Wild Seafoods employees showed a significant cluster of positive cases, according to the release. Alaska Wild Seafoods is now working with the city and with Cordova Community Medical Center to protect public health, according to the release.

The infection did not begin at Alaska Wild Seafoods, but was evidently spread to employees through local contact, according to a release by the city. Spread of the virus was aggravated by a lack of vaccination among the company’s congregate housing and in the general community, according to the release.

Of the 221 cases so far reported in Cordova, 70 are believed to be currently active, according to data published by the city. Of those 221 cases, 186 were Cordova residents and 35 were non-residents. A cumulative total of four people who tested positive for the virus have been hospitalized. As of July 20, 1,625 people have been fully vaccinated in Cordova. The city will return to updating its COVID-19 dashboard weekdays by 11 a.m., city officials announced.

Coronavirus vaccinations are available at both CCMC and Ilanka Community Health Center. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 907-424-3045.

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