COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Alaska as the state Department of Health and Social Services reports nearly 3,000 new cases in the data update from December 29th through January 2nd. There was a total of 2,746 resident and 126 nonresident cases, totaling 2,872 new cases. To compare, near the end of December, the DHSS was reporting just over 200 cases for a two-day period.
There has been a total of 3,629 resident hospitalizations and 947 resident deaths. Eighteen new resident hospitalizations, no new Alaska resident deaths, and one new nonresident death were reported. The nonresident who died was a male in his 50s diagnosed in Fairbanks.
There are currently 55 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who are hospitalized and two additional patients who are considered persons under investigation (PUI) for a total of 57 current COVID-related hospitalizations. Six of these patients are on ventilators. The percentage of patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19 is 4.7%. The average percentage of daily positive tests for the previous seven days is about 13%.
The current statewide alert level – based on the reported number of cases per 100,000 people over the past 7 days – is high (red) at 506.1, and steadily increasing. To compare, on December 22nd, the statewide alert level was high (red) at 143.4 cases per 100,000. For boroughs and census areas: 25 areas are currently at the high alert level.
The DHSS says 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 to reduce transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Using a self-test before and after travel and large gatherings is advised.
62.9% of Alaskans aged 5 and older have received at least their first vaccine dose. 57.5% of Alaskans aged 5 and older are fully vaccinated. 47.9% of Alaskans are fully vaccinated.
