COVID-19 cases continue to increase as the state Department of Health and Social Services tabulated 5,508 new coronavirus cases in the data update on Friday. The deaths include a female resident of Anchorage in her 60s and a male resident of Anchorage in his 60s.
There currently are 103 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who are hospitalized and nine additional patients who are considered persons under investigation for a total of 112 current COVID-related hospitalization. Five of those patients are on ventilators. The percentage of patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19 is 8.3%.
The current statewide alert level – based on the reported number of cases per 100,000 people over the past seven days – is high (red) at 1,771.4. For boroughs and census areas: 28 areas of the state are at the high alert level, including the Kenai Peninsula Region.
Dr. Anne Zink took to social media, earlier in the week, saying:
“While most people, especially those who are younger, up to date on their vaccines, or recently had COVID-19 will not have severe illness if they get infected with Omicron, we do have more options than ever before for treating those who are at risk.”
Additionally, Zink says that many treatments are in short supply, but if you are at risk for severe illness, check with your healthcare provider about treatment options. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, call the State’s helpline at (907) 646-3322.
The DHSS does say that protective measures against the Omicron variant remain the same as for the other COVID variants. Layering protective measures, including masking, handwashing, physical distancing, and testing help reduce transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Using a self-test before and after travel and large gatherings is advised.
NOTE – The DHSS data hub updates Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays except holidays. Martin Luther King Day is observed on Monday, January 17th. The data summary will next be providedo on Wednesday, January 19th.
