Full Notification

NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release:     Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
 
                                               Public Health Advisory                     
 
Increased Risk of COVID-19 Transmission in Southeast Alaska and Recommended Mitigation Measures
 
The Wrangell Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is issuing a Public Health Advisory based on the increasing rate of COVID-19 cases in Southeast Alaska, with the majority of them attributed to community spread.
 
Public Health has given a current Contact Tracing status for Wrangell regarding the 4 most recent cases:

• 2 - Have been interviewed and contact tracing completed
• 1 - Refused to interview
• 1 - Public Health is still attempting to contact. They will continue to attempt to make contact 2x a day for 2 days, then send an outreach letter. If contact is not made this case is closed and classified as unreachable.

 
Please be aware that because contact tracing for two out of the four cases has not happened and because of our level of interactions with neighboring communities, the Wrangell EOC is recommending the following to prevent unnecessary spread within Southeast:

• Wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet from others in public.
  • Masks are recommended for anyone over the age of two.
• Reduce the number of interactions within the community and keep your social bubble very small.
  • When possible, use delivery options and work from home.
• If you feel sick, stay home, except to get tested or to seek medical care.
• Seek testing if you have symptoms or if you are concerned that you have been in contact with an infected individual.
  • If you are symptomatic, call the Wrangell Medical Center at 874-7000.
  • Community asymptomatic testing is offered daily at the airport during jet arrival and departure.  This is for everyone, not just travelers.  There is also expanded testing hours at the airport on Saturday February 27^th & Sunday February 28^th from 10am to 12pm.
• Protect your friends and family by avoiding gatherings, especially indoors. Gatherings of any kind are not recommended at this time.
• Protect the vulnerable by avoiding contact with those at higher risk of severe illness, such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions.
• Delay any unnecessary travel. If you travel into Wrangell either from out of State, or in State you should be tested immediately upon arrival.  It is strongly recommended that you follow strict social distancing until you receive your test results and get a follow-up test 5-14 days after arrival. 

Additionally, Public Health is asking people to contact their close contacts due to the delay/challenges with Public Health being able to contact cases and complete contact tracing.
 
Additional information can be found at wrangellcovid19.org or covid19.alaska.gov.  Questions can be directed to the COVID Hotline at 874-COVI (907-874-2684) or can be emailed to [email protected].