COVID-19 cases climb to 20

The Petersburg Medical Center reported twenty positive COVID-19 cases as of Friday afternoon.

The effects of community spread can be mitigated by testing early, identifying positive cases early, and isolating early. Asymptomatic testing will be available Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at PMC next door to Public Health and only people without symptoms should test at that location.

PMC urges people to notify their close contacts if they are positive as contact tracing by Public Health has been impacted by the high number of cases across the state.

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reported 1,330 new cases on Wednesday along with 209 hospitalizations and seven deaths.

Contacts are encouraged to stay at home and monitor for symptoms. Those who are uncomfortable with notifying close contacts can contact Public Health at 907-772-4611 for assistance.

Borough Manager Steve Giesbrecht released a statement Thursday warning of community spread.

“In Petersburg, we have enjoyed having our schools open, our hospital available, and our community up and operational. This latest outbreak is threatening this status,” Giesbrecht wrote.

In addition, Giesbrecht encouraged citizens to social distance and wear a mask in enclosed spaces. Masks are required in all Borough buildings and during public meetings.

He also encouraged people to get vaccinated and stated that they are a safe and effective way to keep people out of the hospital.

The PMC COVID-19 Dashboard marks the school's risk level as high while PMC’s risk level is elevated. It also reports PMC’s inpatient utilization is 42%.

People with symptoms are asked to call the COVID Information Line at 907-772-5788 to schedule a symptomatic test through the clinic

Travel testing is available at the PMC emergency room entrance Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at no charge.

Test requests may also be submitted online at http://www.pmcak.org.

PMC encourages testing early even if only experiencing mild symptoms or if vaccinated because it is possible to be contagious before exhibiting symptoms.

If symptoms develop, PMC says to stay at home. Children should not attend school or daycare if they develop symptoms.

All three vaccines are available at PMC, Public Health (907-772-4611) has Pfizer vaccines available and Rexall Pharmacy (907-772-3265) has a limited supply of the J&J vaccine.

Vaccines and tests can be scheduled by calling the COVID Information Line.