COVID-19 update: transmission remained widespread in most parts of Alaska

In a social media announcement Monday, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski says she has tested positive for COVID-19. The statement goes on to say that she had been experiencing flu-like symptoms and “will follow guidance and advice from doctors and will be quarantining at home in Alaska while continuing to work remotely.” The Senator is vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. She campaigned in Fairbanks on July 22 during the grand opening of Fairbanks Campaign Office grad opening.

While it’s unclear where she contracted COVID-19, transmission of the virus has remained widespread in most parts of Alaska during the week of July 10–July 16, 2022, with evidence for increasing cases in some areas but decreases elsewhere, according to a recent release from DHSS.

A total 2,461 cases were reported in Alaskans the week of July 10–July 16, which is a 16% increase compared to the previous week. The Mat-Su Borough reported 364 cases during the same reporting period. While that remains on par for the Alaska state average number of cases per 100,000, areas like Bristol Bay and the North Slope are above average during the busy commercial fishing season. This suggests that COVID-19 transmission is occurring widely throughout much of Alaska.

The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has increased over the past few weeks, although they remain below the peak of the Omicron wave. COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased substantially since mid-April, from 31 patients hospitalized for the state at the beginning of April to 78 for the week of July 16. Hospitalizations have especially increased among older Alaskans.

The DHSS reported trends indicate the intensity of COVID-19 transmission varies between communities outside the largest boroughs. Trajectories are mixed, with COVID-19 cases declining in some communities but increasing or holding steady in others. Making comparisons between communities is difficult because testing practices may vary between communities. Many infections with the virus that causes COVID-19 are not detected or reported. It is also unclear what impact home-tests make on the numbers as not all positive COVID-19 cases are reported to local health officials.

While the COVID vaccines and boosters are not preventing the contraction of COVID-19, they remain the strongest prevention option to avoid serious illness and hospitalization. DHSS reports that 71.9% of Alaska residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 52.6% of Alaska residents have received at least one booster dose.

The DHSS Vaccination Dashboard reports that children under 12 who have received their 1st dose is 29%, while those in the same age group who have completed the primary series is 25%. There is no information regarding children under 5 who have received the vaccine. In June, the FDA authorized emergency approval for children age 6 months to 5 years to begin receiving the COVID-19 vaccines.

Respiratory viruses can circulate year-round in Alaska. Actions such as staying home when sick, washing hands, and improving ventilation can protect others who may be vulnerable from COVID-19, influenza, and other pathogens.

DHSS asks that if Alaskans test positive for COVID-19 and need information on what to do next, to call Public Health Nursing at (907) 646-3322 or toll-free at 1-833-482-9546, or contact local Public Health Centers for guidance on local resources, quarantine, and isolation.