13 new COVID-19 cases reported in Alaska

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reported 13 new COVID-19 cases in Alaska Thursday. That’s the largest single-day total since March 30, which had 14 new cases according to data on the state’s coronavirus response hub.

“I know this increase in cases today may come as a surprise to some, but this is why we continue to closely monitor cases and investigate each one,” Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink said in a press release issued by DHSS Thursday. . “Many of the cases came in late yesterday and are still under investigation so it’s too soon to have details about the source of transmission, but other factors such as increases in testing may also play a role.”

The 13 new cases are spread across seven different Alaska communities. Seven of the 13 were reported in the Kenai Peninsula Borough. That list included two in Homer, one in Nikiski, one if Kenai, and three that were listed as just Kenai Peninsula Borough. There were also four new cases reported in Anchorage, one in Juneau and one in the North Slope Borough.

“Alaskans should take this news as an important reminder that the virus is still with us and that we should not ease up on the actions each of us can take to protect ourselves including: keeping six feet of distance from others, wearing a face covering when out in public, washing our hands frequently, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces at home and work,” Zink said.

There are now 425 total cases reported in Alaska. Of those, 366 are considered recovered. The total number of COVID-19 tests stands at 47,970 as of Thursday.

A total of 24 positive cases have been reported in the Mat-Su Borough.

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